A pet rabbit who was found in a cardboard box in a residential area in Crewe could be someone’s missing pet, says the RSPCA.
The unneutered male lop was found in a car park area near Heywood Green last Saturday (9 March) and collected by the animal welfare charity after being spotted by a member of the public.
It’s not known how long he’d been there, but thankfully he had come to no harm before being collected by RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Fay Bowers.
A check up later that day at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital found him to be in good condition, with teeth and claws that appear to have been well looked after.
He’s now being cared for at a private boarding facility on behalf of the RSPCA and will be rehomed via one of their rehoming centres if no-one comes forward to claim him.
The charity thinks he could have strayed from his home and was put in the box – which contained grass and apples – after being found roaming loose in the area, although the possibility he might have been deliberately abandoned is not being ruled out.
“He’s an adorable character with piercing blue eyes who’s very friendly and clearly used to being handled,” said Fay. “Apart from a little stained area of fur at the back of his neck, he was in really nice condition. Quite often pet rabbits found in similar situations have unkempt coats, overgrown teeth or long claws, but this wasn’t the case here.
“I’d like to think he’s someone’s much-loved missing pet and we’ll get someone coming forward to claim him, but of course we have to keep an open mind about what’s happened. Cost of living pressures have contributed to an increasing number of pets being abandoned and it’s possible that’s what’s happened here.
“The important thing is he’s now safe and getting lots of TLC and we’ll find him a new home with a bunny friend if no-one gets in touch.”
The rabbit has been registered on Animal Search UK. The RSPCA has also put up posters in the local area and made door-to-door enquiries in neighbouring streets. Anyone who thinks he might be theirs should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 quoting reference number 01233227.
This year the RSPCA celebrates its 200th birthday. To mark this special anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals’ lives. To find out how you can get involved visit www.rspca.org.uk/200.
