THIS month we celebrate one of the most loveable animals on the planet, rabbits.

On September 28 it is International Rabbit Day, as it is celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of September.

This day celebrates the value and contribution that rabbits make to our lives, and the care of both domestic and wild rabbits.

This annual celebration of the long-eared, short-tailed mammal is not just in the name of the millions of creatures kept as pets across the Western world but aims to promote a serious message about animal welfare.

On International Rabbit Day we are encouraged to consider, not only the companionship offered by our favorite hutch-dwellers, but the various ways in which rabbits are harmed by medical and cosmetic testing, hunting, fur farming and, of course, casseroling.

There are several different ways to celebrate International Rabbit Day, one of the best ways is to adopt a pet rabbit a service that is offered by many animal shelters.

There are of course things to consider before adopting a rabbit as they take a lot of time and effort to care for.

They require a suitable place to live, protection from disease, injury, suffering, and pain, appropriate company, the ability to behave as they normally would, and a healthy diet, which includes clean and fresh water.

There are a lot of fictional rabbits that have become famous all around the world. The most famous is Bugs Bunny.

Other famous rabbits include the waistcoat-wearing White Rabbit from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Peter Rabbit, and of course, Roger Rabbit.

These photos show how people in Cumbria have shared their love of rabbits over the years.