AN angry father-of-two is calling for the introduction of tough legislation to govern the sale of pet rabbits.

He, and other parents, have backed Bolton RSPCA spokesman, Kathy Kay's, accusation that larger pet stores sell the ever-popular furry animals as though they are "a bar of chocolate."

The man from Harwood, and a mother from Tyldesley, are just two among the numerous case files cited by Kathy in support of her claim.

And both parents dispute replies from two of the larger pet stores in Bolton, that advice, vetting of customers, and expertise is readily on hand when the rabbits are being sold.

In one case the woman claims she wanted to buy a rabbit which remained small, but it ended up "like a dog."

When it began biting, she says she rang the pet shop for advice. It was suggested she release the animal out in the wild.

She checked with the RSPCA on the advice given and was told "the rabbit would not last five minutes".

Another parent who bought a rabbit under the misapprehension that it would be "cheap and easy" to look after, ended up spending more than £200.

He angrily criticised larger pet shops for their lack of advice. He said it was only after reading up about the proper care needed by rabbits that he realised just what it entailed.

He said: "There should be legislation protecting the pets sold. Customers should be given a questionnaire making them well aware of the expense and care needed. They should then be made to sign a declaration.

"Parents do not realise the cost of looking after a rabbit which is why a lot of people end up abandoning or dumping the pets.

"They need to be told beforehand that to properly look after a rabbit means sacrificing your garden and buying a run for them.

"The traditional picture of keeping them in small hutches is wrong."

And responding to claims by pet stores that suitable starter kits were provided, he added: "They are not adequate - most are better suited to pets the size of a guinea pig."

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