The RSPCA is appealing for information after 12 rabbits were abandoned and let loose in a field in the Wirral.
The rabbits were spotted by a dog walker who quickly realised they were domestic rabbits so tried to collect them and take them to safety. He then contacted the RSPCA who collected them.
After the discovery of the rabbits, the RSPCA is urging the public to get their rabbits neutered to avoid unwanted litters.
The charity said that the rabbits were found with no cage or box and are all quite healthy and very nice, friendly rabbits who have clearly had a home recently.
RSPCA Inspector Leanne Cragg who collected the family of rabbits, said: “It’s hard to understand why some people abandon animals in this way and there is no excuse for doing this, but it looks like it could potentially have been a breeding accident. Possibly, there were too many rabbits for them to cope with or they wouldn’t rehome them.
“The young ones are about 10-weeks old and all similar sizes, so we think they must be from the same litter and were dumped along with mum and dad – the whole family. Perhaps whoever dumped them in this rural spot thought they would be ok, but these are domestic animals and leaving them in a field leaves them open to predation, as well as exposing them to the elements and the very hot weather we’ve had recently.”
The RSPCA are urging owners to make sure they know the sex of their rabbit when they get them and to ensure their rabbits are neutered to prevent unwanted litters.
“Not only will neutering avoid unwanted surprises, but also has many health benefits,” said Inspector Cragg. “Rabbits are highly sociable animals, but unneutered rabbits are more likely to fight and in females they have a higher risk of womb cancer if they are not spayed.”
The family of rabbits are now being cared for at RSPCA Altrincham and Cheshire branch, where they will stay until they are rehomed.
If you recognise them or have any information on how the rabbits came to be abandoned in a field off Brimstage Lane in Higehr Bebington on Sunday 5th August, around 4pm, please contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
