Valentine’s hope for small furry animals at RSPCA’s Colwyn Bay centre

Rescue rabbits, mice and guinea pigs searching for love at Bryn-Y-Maen Centre

A number of small furry animals at the RSPCA’s Bryn-Y-Maen Animal Centre are hoping to find their loving new owner this St. Valentine’s Day.

The centre is currently caring for 13 rabbits, nine mice and six guinea pigs – many of whom are now available for rehoming, and are ready to “exit the Lonely Hearts Club” and meet their new forever companion.

Staff at the centre – in Upper Colwyn Bay, in North Wales – have decorated the animals’ accommodation with love hearts to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

The RSPCA celebrates its 200th birthday this year – and the centre’s dedicated rescue team hope prospective pet owners across North Wales will be inspired at this time of year and consider adopting some of the amazing rescue pets at the Colwyn Bay centre.

Clare Jones, of the RSPCA Bryn-Y-Maen centre, said: “Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day – and the small furry animals in our care have been getting into the February 14 spirit with love hearts decorating their accommodation this week.

“We would really love to find new homes for the amazing rabbits, guinea pigs and mice in our care – ensuring they exit the Lonely Hearts Club and find their forever home.

“Taking on a small furry can be a really big commitment – but also exceptionally rewarding.

“We urge anyone across North Wales looking to add a pet to their family this Valentine’s Day to consider a rescue animal, and to check out the range of animals in our care at our dedicated Find a Pet website.”

Bunnies in the care of the centre include sweetheart Dougie – who came into the RSPCA’s care after concerns for the welfare of him and other animals at a property.

Dougie was initially shy – but has flourished at the centre, and is a sweet, affectionate rabbit, who loves head rubs and will always try and instigate a stroke whenever he can.

Rescue centre staff hope to pair Dougie with a confident, friendly female rabbit this Valentine’s Day – and feel he could live happily with children of primary school age.

Guinea pig Gus-Gus is another of the centre’s smaller residents hoping to find a forever home. He came into the charity’s care after being removed from a multi-animal household.

The tan-coloured guinea has been building his confidence, and the inquisitive boy is famous among staff for popping his head out throughout the day to keep tabs on what’s happening at the centre!

Shy boy Gus-Gus is looking to live in a quiet household, who can support him to continue to come out of his shell.

Anyone interested in adopting a pet with the RSPCA can visit the charity’s Find a Pet website.

More information on looking after small furry animals is available on the RSPCA’s website – including rabbits and rodents.

The RSPCA recommends that medium-sized rabbit pairs are housed in an area measuring at least 3m (L) x 2m (W) x 1m (H) – approx 9.9ft x 6.6ft x 3.3ft – which includes a sleeping shelter or area measuring at least 1m x 2m x 0.75m – approx 3.3ft x 6.6ft x 2.5ft – and a large space for them to exercise.

Meanwhile, guinea pigs like Gus-Gus will need to be housed indoors, with a minimum accommodation of 5ft x 2ft (just over 1.5m x 0.6m).

This year the RSPCA celebrates its 200th year of changing industries, laws, minds, and animals’ lives. To mark this anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals’ lives. Together, there are actions, big and small, everyone can take to create a better world for every animal.

To find out how you can join their million-strong movement for animals visit: www.rspca.org.uk/200.