Shock and disgust as 100 frightened rabbits found abandoned in West Midlands woods
A group of rabbits facing a long road back to health after being left abandoned, frightened and fighting for their lives in woodland.
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The leader of a Dudley animal sanctuary has spoken of her disgust and shock at the discovery of 100 rabbits who were left abandoned in woodland near Chaddesley Corbett in the Wyre Forest.
The rabbits were discovered on Tuesday morning (November 12) by passers by walking on the woodland - with 56 being captured by local residents and members of animal sanctuaries.
Sadly, 23 of the rabbits had died in the night and a group are still out in the woodland, but the surviving rabbits, 16 males and 40 females, were secured in a shed and taken in by Lucky Bunny and Friends Rescue from Gornalwood.
The founder Heather Kelly told the Express & Star how she had been called and told about what had happened and said she had been left shocked by what she heard.
She said: "I was just shocked and overwhelmed and just couldn't begin to imagine what these rabbits had been through.
"Most of them are battered and bruised, with a lot of them wounded or missing ears and a lot of them have been left blinded.
"Some of the females, we suspect, are pregnant and all of these rabbits, at a minimum, will need neutering or spaying and vaccinating."
The RSPCA said that an investigation had been launched, as well as an appeal for information and RSPCA Inspector Boris Lasserre described what he had seen, as well as thanking the community groups for their help and assistance.
He said: "Any animal being deliberately left behind to fend for itself is a serious case of neglect, and it is increasingly shocking that so many rabbits are abandoned at the same time. The RSPCA is actively investigating this.
“Thankfully a large number of live rabbits were rescued by the members of the public who came across them, and put them in a place of safety overnight. It is heartening to hear that so many people have been able to help as charities rely on working in partnership with each other to create a better world for every kind.
“These rabbits have clearly been living in a poor environment, and had numerous wounds suggesting there was infighting amongst the group. This increases the concerns as to where they have come from and the conditions they were kept in.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may know who is responsible for abandoning these rabbits in such an irresponsible way.
“Sadly, abandoned and neglected rabbits are becoming an increasing problem as charities are seeing more and more coming into our care. We understand that times are tough at the moment but please never abandon your pet but ask for help before things get so desperate or the animal suffers.
“Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or has first hand information that could assist the RSPCA’s investigation should contact the charity’s appeal line, confidentially, on 0300 123 8018.”
The team at Lucky Bunny and Friends Rescue have been working to help treat the rabbits and find appropriate places for them, with Ms Kelly saying the public and other rescue teams have been really helpful.
She said: "The public and smaller rescues have been amazing with stepping in and helping us and taking in those bunnies and making sure they're getting the correct care and medical attention.
"All of these rabbits still have a long way to go before they are healthy and happy and can be rehomed, so anything and everything you can do to help is much appreciated.
"A special thank you today to Berkshire Animal Rescue, Eastbourne Rabbit and Guinea Pig Rescue and Hug A Bunny Hotel who took a total of 14 bunnies between them.
"Hannah’s Guinea Pig Sanctuary, who also kindly took 15 rabbits from us as no one rescue could cope with this many rabbits, so we are so thankful for them."
Hannah Carpenter from Hannah’s Guinea Pig Sanctuary posted on social media about the work needed to help the rabbits and the cost of what would be needed to help them.
She wrote: "We are taking on 15 and, alongside with 40 other animals come in the past two weeks, it’s not slowing down.
"The rescue industry is extremely overrun and overwhelmed at the moment and need help financially to cover vet bills.
"Just these 15 rabbits will cost for spays/neuter and vaccinations will be £3,032.50 and that isn’t taking into consideration the other rabbits who have come in."
To donate to the appeal being run by Lucky Bunny and Friends Rescue, go to the Paypal page.
