This Vicar Is Fostering Abandoned Bunnies This Easter And The Reason Will Melt Your Heart

Vicar Fosters Abandoned Rabbits Through Blue Cross as Easter Bunny Dumping Crisis Grows

Reverend Liz Houghton, a vicar based in Newport, Wales, is spending this Easter doing something most clergy would never expect: fostering abandoned rabbits.

Houghton has been volunteering as a foster carer with the national pet charity Blue Cross for nearly two years, providing a safe and loving temporary home for animals while the charity works to find them permanent families.

She is currently caring for two three year old rabbits named Bun yonce and Hopra Winfrey, who are the eleventh and twelfth bunnies she has helped, along with eight guinea pigs.

With gentle attention and a calm home environment, Houghton helps the animals recover, socialise, and prepare for their new homes. Her work comes at a critical time for the charity.

Blue Cross, which operates a rehoming unit at Langstone Newport Business Village in Newport, has seen a 25% increase in rabbits coming into its care over the past year. Requests from owners looking to rehome their rabbits have surged by 40% during the same period.

The charity says changing circumstances and widespread misconceptions about rabbit care are driving the crisis. Many people underestimate the commitment required to properly care for a rabbit, leading to animals being surrendered or abandoned.

Easter Bunny Abandonment Surge Prompts Blue Cross Foster Care Appeal

This Easter, Blue Cross is asking people to consider signing up as foster carers. Volunteer foster carers receive full training and all costs of care are covered by the charity. Opportunities exist to foster small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, as well as cats and dogs.

Reverend Houghton's commitment to caring for God's creatures reflects a broader Christian calling to stewardship of the natural world. Her example shows that even small acts of compassion can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable animals.

The Crusader's Opinion

This is what Christian stewardship looks like in action. Reverend Houghton is not just preaching about caring for God's creation, she is living it. While the world debates theology, she is on her knees caring for the least of these. Every year, people buy rabbits as novelty Easter gifts and then dump them when the novelty wears off. It is a disgrace. Christians are called to be faithful stewards of every living thing God has entrusted to us. If a vicar can open her home to abandoned animals, surely the rest of us can do our part.

Take Action

• Foster: Sign up to become a Blue Cross foster carer at bluecross.org.uk/volunteer-pet-foster-carer. Training and costs are fully covered.
• Adopt: If you can provide a permanent home, browse rabbits available for adoption at bluecross.org.uk/rehome/rabbit.
• Share: Spread the word this Easter. Share this story and remind people that a rabbit is a 10 year commitment, not a seasonal decoration.
• Donate: Support animal welfare through Blue Cross or Christian stewardship ministries like The Shepherd's Shield.
• Pray: Pray for all those who care for vulnerable animals and for an end to the culture of disposable pets.