The RSPCA has launched an investigation after a giant rabbit was found collapsed, dumped in a box in Liverpool.
The rabbit was discovered by a member of the public and collected by RSPCA Animal Collection Office, Heather Cook on Friday 24 April.
Heather said: “A member of the public discovered this poor bunny dumped in a cardboard box. He was collapsed and unable to use his back legs. He was in an appalling condition; riddled with infection with overgrown nails. He was also suffering from terrible flystrike, a painful condition caused by flies laying eggs which hatch into maggots and eat into the flesh.”
Heather rushed the brown, giant lop rabbit to a vet to see if he could be saved.
“Unfortunately the bunny couldn’t stand and was in a really bad way so the vets felt the only option was to end his suffering and put him to sleep,” she added.
The RSPCA is now investigating how the rabbit came to be in such a poor condition, and who is responsible for abandoning him.
“We know times are hard but it’s not acceptable to leave an animal to fall into such a poor condition or to suffer as this poor rabbit did,” Heather added. “I’d like to hear from anyone with information about who owned this rabbit or where he’s come from.”
He was found in a cardboard box inside blue plastic, with carrots and food, dumped beside a public footpath.
Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
