SECRET World wildlife rescue is appealing for responsible pet owners to help them re-home an influx of rabbits.

The East Huntspill animal charity had to step in and help Carrot Tops Rabbit Rescue, which was called out to a welfare situation where 16 domestic rabbits were found squashed into two hutches.

Now the charity is facing a ‘baby bunny boom’ as some of the rescued females, which have now been separated, were pregnant when they arrived at the centre.

Secret World founder Pauline Kidner said: “The owner of Carrot Tops was also taken ill and hospitalised.

“All of the rabbits will be vaccinated and neutered before being re-homed and we are appealing for members of the public to come forward to offer a loving home, as we feel it’s unfair to euthanize healthy animals.”

Eight ferrets, who were found cold and abandoned in a hedgerow near Shapwick, are also currently residing at Secret World, as the centre has been unable to find any other organisations to take them in.

Pauline added: “We don’t normally accept any domestic animals as we only rescue injured and orphaned wildlife, however it became clear there literally was nowhere for the rabbits and ferrets to go.”

Contact Secret World on 01278-783250 or visit www.secretworld.org.