WE ALL know the popular message that 'dogs aren’t just for Christmas’.

But it’s not just our canine friends that should be cherished for life.

That’s the message from Dalmellington animal-lover Marny Murphy, who has coined her own phrase 'rabbits shouldn’t be just for Easter’ She owns around 20 rabbits, breeds them and shows them and fell in love with the popular floppy-eared pets around five years ago.

But while she loves giving them the attention they deserve, she fears others aren’t so caring.

Cute little bunnies have become a popular Easter gift for kids but when the novelty wears off, the animals, according to Marny, are the ones that suffer.

She said: “I absolutely love rabbits. I took one in and when it passed away I just decided to get some more. But at this time of year, I always fear for them.

“We all know that people are warned about buying dogs for Christmas, well it should be exactly the same at Easter for rabbits.

“I would urge everyone that rabbits shouldn’t just be for Easter. They buy them for their children but don’t care about them and the rabbits are either abandoned or not looked after properly.

“If they are buying rabbits then they should probably stick to chocolate ones at this time of year.” Marny’s favourite rabbits are the giant continental ones and she has them running about her house and garden.

She added: “They are just like part of the family and I give them as much as care as possible.” Peter Baker of the SSPCA added, “Many people will see these fluffy little bundles and forget that they will grow into full size adults who can live for five to eight years.

“We would like to stress to people that rabbits are a long-term commitment and they should not be given as gifts for Easter, or at any time of year.

“Rabbits do not do well stuck in a hutch all day with no company.”