RSPCA Launches Urgent Investigation After Discovery of 80 Rabbits Dumped in Woods
An urgent investigation has been initiated by the RSPCA following a distressing incident where more than 80 rabbits were found heartlessly abandoned in a wood. The shocking discovery took place at Chaddesley Wood, situated between Kidderminster and Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, leaving many questioning how such a large number of bunnies ended up in that situation.
Local residents, along with dedicated animal rescue volunteers and the RSPCA, immediately sprang into action to rescue as many of the abandoned rabbits as possible after the alarming find on Monday. Unfortunately, 23 of the rabbits were found deceased, while 56 were taken in by Lucky Bunny and Friends Rescue, which is located in Dudley, West Midlands. The RSPCA reported that two additional rabbits were later taken to a veterinary clinic after residents spotted more rabbits in the vicinity.
RSPCA Inspector Boris Lasserre expressed deep concern over the deliberate act of leaving animals to fend for themselves, emphasizing the gravity of neglect in such cases. The RSPCA is actively investigating this distressing incident and commended the efforts of the public in rescuing a significant number of rabbits and ensuring their safety.
Boris disclosed finding the remains of 23 deceased rabbits along with two surviving rabbits, which were promptly taken under RSPCA care. The bodies of the deceased rabbits have been examined by a veterinary surgeon, and post mortems are scheduled to be conducted to determine the circumstances around their deaths. Boris highlighted that the rabbits exhibited signs of having lived in poor conditions, evident from the wounds indicating internal conflicts within the group.
The abandonment of these rabbits raises serious concerns regarding their origin and the substandard conditions they endured before being left in the wood. The RSPCA appeals to anyone with information on those responsible for this callous act to come forward. As cases of abandoned and neglected rabbits continue to rise, the RSPCA urges pet owners facing challenges to seek assistance rather than resorting to abandonment. The charity provides support through its cost of living hub to help owners access the necessary help.
In response to the incident, Lucky Bunny and Friends Rescue is collaborating with five other charities to ensure the ongoing care of the rescued rabbits. The rescue centre shared on Facebook the challenging task ahead of them, with 16 male and 40 female rabbits, some suspected to be pregnant, requiring urgent attention including neutering, spaying, and vaccinations.
As the investigation unfolds, the RSPCA encourages anyone with information that could aid the investigation to contact their appeal line at 0300 123 8018. The charity emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for collective efforts to prevent such distressing incidents from reoccurring.
The compassionate response of local residents, volunteers, and animal rescue organisations in the face of this unfortunate event highlights the importance of community collaboration in protecting and ensuring the well-being of animals. The RSPCA’s relentless pursuit of justice and care for these abandoned rabbits serves as a reminder of the significance of solidarity in supporting vulnerable animals in need.