OBESE bunnies are being urged to watch their weight and get more exercise.

Vet Matt Brash, who works at Battle Flatts Veterinary Clinic, in Pocklington, and is the star of ITV series Zoo Vet, warned owners to take their rabbits to a vet to see if they are too fat. Today is National Rabbit Weigh Day which aims to raise awareness of obesity in rabbits.

One in three rabbits is overweight due to poor diet and a lack of exercise.

Being fat is the most common cause of death in pet rabbits. National Rabbit Weigh Day is the brainchild of Pickering-based Burgess Supafeeds. The firm make a special light food for dieting rabbits as well as toys which encourage the rabbit to exercise to get its food.

Rabbits who are too chubby are not able to groom themselves properly and this can cause medical problems.

Owners can take their rabbit into any vets to be weighed and get advice on how to get their pet to its ideal weight.

Updated: 09:32 Saturday, May 08, 2004