As I highlighted last month, the RSPCA is currently undergoing regeneration in Ealing. As part of this, they want to make sure they stay in touch with the local community. If you are on Facebook, an easy way of doing this is to go to their Facebook page called “RSPCA Ealing, Hounslow and District Branch” and click “Like”.

There you will find pictures and details of the work the Branch does, the animals they take in and future events. You will also find a picture of Marley skipping about in his foster home.

Marley and Harley are two 6-month old, lop-eared rabbits. Originally given as gifts, but already unwanted, they have been in the care of Ealing RSPCA since July. Now in foster care, if you can offer these brothers a permanent home, contact RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer Cathy Pollendine on 07808 789385 or rspca.ealing@gmail.com. Please also contact Cathy, if you would like to become a volunteer in the blossoming Ealing RSPCA branch.

If you own rabbits, it can be exciting thinking how to give them somewhere cosy to live where they also have plenty of room for exercise. It’s useful to remember The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund’s saying that, on its own, "a hutch is not enough". Rabbits are intelligent, social animals. If kept as pets they need to live in accommodation in which they can hop, run, jump, dig and stand fully upright on their back legs. They also need a sheltered area to hide in and sleep.

Accommodation needs to be safe, waterproof, draught-proof and predator-proof. They also need plenty of bedding to keep them warm.

A rabbit should normally be kept with at least one other friendly neutered rabbit. If your rabbit has to be kept singly for welfare reasons, they will need more time spent interacting with them to provide companionship.

Read more of Marion's animal welfare columns .