Thousands of pet rabbits are left uncared for and alone, a rescue charity has said.

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare in The Broyle, Ringmer, near Lewes, will educate people on caring for rabbits as part of this year's Rabbit Awareness Week which will run from June 24 until June 28.

The rescue centre said it will be holding activities throughout the week and will dedicate June 29 to Rabbit Awareness Day.

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The centre also said that according to the latest research, 53 per cent of rabbit owners do not know how to properly care for rabbits.

To combat this, activities throughout the awareness week at Raystede will involve teaching people about rabbit requirements.

This will include showcases of indoor and outdoor rabbit houses, information about their diets and how they should be socialised.

The charity will also give guidance on what people should do if they want to adopt a rabbit and the process.

Information talks about this will be held on June 29 at 11am and 1pm.

The Argus:

People who want to attend the talks can email education@raystede.org.

Gemma Price, head of education at Raystede, said: "Rabbit Awareness Week provides a great opportunity for us to shine a light on the often-overlooked area of rabbit welfare.

"It is estimated that there are over one million pet rabbits in the UK but alarmingly, research from the PDSA, indicated that thousands of naturally highly sociable rabbits, are living alone and quite often completely uncared for.

"Throughout Rabbit Awareness Week and during our dedicated Rabbit Awareness Day, we’re hoping to provide visitors with some top tips on how to keep their rabbits happy and healthy.”

Other activities on the day will include a family-friendly trail themed 'Oliver the rabbit’s journey from rescue to rehoming' where visitors can learn about Raystede's process of finding forever homes for its rabbits.

More information can be found at www.raystede.org/rabbit-awareness.

The event is free however people should pre-book online so the centre staff are aware of the number of people set to attend.

Visitors will also be able to look at the rabbits currently in the rescue centre's care.

Dogs, cats, birds, goats and other small animals can also be seen at the centre.