'I spend £50,000 every year to rescue rabbits'

MEET the animal lover who has spent £240k to save more than 300 rabbits nursing them back to health in her own home.

- By JOEL CHESHIRE

Paige Hadlow, 28, who founded Clement Rabbit Rescue after working in a pet shop, takes in unwanted pets some bought as Easter gifts.

The self-funded charity is dedicated to saving, rehabilitating and rehoming bunnies in need.

Her charity is based at her home in Wrexham where she lives with 25 rabbits which are housed outdoors in custom-built cabins.

Paige, who works in the charity sector full-time, said: "It averages out at £50k a year. Total for vet bills in March, £7,500.

"I love them so much, they're all so interesting in their own unique way and are a joy to watch.

"Contrary to people's perception, they're not actually that hectic and they are really clean around the house, so I've never had any issues with mess.

"Gaining a rabbit's trust is just the best feeling in the world.

"They don't naturally gravitate towards people, so knowing that I have that sort of connection with them is really special."

Paige founded the charity after quitting her job at a high-street pet shop in January 2018.

She became increasingly concerned for the animals' welfare and remembers weekly deliveries of rabbits arriving in metal crates.

She said: "Rabbits were treated like commodities, not living beings.

"I was shocked at their complex needs and long life expectancy. If people saw cats and dogs being kept in the same conditions as rabbits in pet shops, there would be an uproar."