A NEW rabbit enclosure that aims to help teach young people about responsible pet ownership has been unveiled at Greenacres Animal Rescue Centre.

Built so that it meets animals’ environmental and behavioural needs, volunteers will be able to show children around the large enclosure, to show them that small rabbit hutches are not appropriate long-term homes, and how being cooped up can lead to weight gain, health and behaviour problems.

Mikey Lawlor, Rescue Centre Manager, said: “A rabbit will often be a child’s first pet so it’s important to teach them how to house and look after them properly.

"Rabbits are active animals - they need to be able hop, run, dig and hide so a small hutch just isn’t sufficient in the long term.

"They are also very sociable therefore do not cope well living on their own.

He continued “We’re really pleased with the new enclosure, not only for the educational potential it offers, but also for improving the wellbeing of the rescued rabbits in our care.”

The project has been funded by the Port of Milford Haven after staff selected the rescue centre to be its official Charitable Cause of the Year for 2015.

Anna Malloy, PR and Communications Manager at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “This is a fantastic project to be involved in.

"It’s important that young people have an understanding of responsible pet ownership and the enclosure will give them the chance to see what an ideal environment should look like.

"This is one of a number of initiatives that we’re helping Greenacres Animal Rescue with this year and it’s great to help such a passionate and enthusiastic group of volunteers achieve their goals.”