ABANDONED rabbits have got access to a safe haven thanks to the joint efforts of a Northumberland couple and animal charity the RSPCA.

The new facility, at Frankham Fell Boarding Kennels near Fourstones, has become one of just two RSPCA bases between Scotland and Teesside which can take in abandoned rabbits.

The hutch block can take in up to 10 neglected bunnies thanks to funding from the RSPCA’s Northumberlnd West branch.

Frankham Fell owners Ian and Helen Robertson already work with the charity to accommodate five dogs and six cats until they are rehomed, and the charity’s branch manager Penny Powell was keen to expand on their work.

“I know the RSPCA rehomed more than 1,300 rabbits across the country last year, so the aim of this is to fulfill the welfare needs of the small furries while finding permanent homes for them,” explained Penny.

“We’re the only branch to run this in the North, because the other place, at Great Ayton, near Middlesbrough, is run by head office.”

After investing several thousand pounds from branch reserves, a spacious compound has been created at Frankham where the animals can live in pairs until they find new owners.

Among the inquisitive guests at the moment is escape artist Magpie, who has already prompted a re-design of his pen after burrowing below mesh to escape.

“Magpie is one of nine rabbits we have available for rehoming at the moment and I’ve had to escape-proof his pen a number of times,” laughed Ian.

“But we’ve paired him with another rabbit, which he seems to quite like, and he’s settled down a bit now.”

Rabbits need to be homed in pairs and anyone wanting a rabbit through the RSPCA will be expected to take two together or provide an existing rabbit as company.

Home checks will be carried out to ensure the suitability of the adopter. In return, all the rabbits will be neutered, micro-chipped and inoculated, together with having had a full health check.

RSPCA rehoming operations manager Abbi Moon said: “It’s fantastic that RSPCA Northumberland West branch has been able to raise the money to build this new accommodation.

“Providing a safe haven for the victims of cruelty, neglect and suffering is at the heart of what the RSPCA branches do.”