The RSPCA says it is shocked and saddened by the abandonment of eight pet rabbits, only one of whom has so far been found alive.
Officers from the charity were called to Blackley Vale Fields after reports from a homeowner in a nearby property that the animals had been spotted on and around a footpath.
Two women were seen pushing a shopping trolley in the area shortly before the rabbits were seen at around 2.45pm last Saturday (4 February), although it’s not known if the two incidents are connected.
One male rabbit who was underweight, covered in scabs and, carrying an old injury to his ear went into a nearby garden where he was contained and later collected by RSPCA animal rescue officer Helen Chapman. He’s now receiving treatment at the charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
Sadly, a further three rabbits – all similar in colour to the one who was found alive – were found deceased nearby and had died from suspected hypothermia. The remainder of the group are still missing.
The RSPCA says releasing pet rabbits into the wild is cruel and irresponsible as they cannot thrive and survive, are at risk from various predators and rely on humans to house and feed them.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Steve Wickham, who collected the deceased rabbits, said: “This was a shocking incident involving a large number of pets who were abandoned and left to their fate and we’re very keen to hear from anyone who may have information about those responsible. It’s a common misconception that domestic rabbits will survive if they are released into the wild and the simple answer is that they won’t.
“The rabbit who was found alive was easily handled and has been thoroughly checked over and treated for his torn ear, which could have occurred as a result of infighting with other males in the group he was being kept with. He should go on to make a full recovery and we’ll then look to rehome him.
“If people are struggling to cope with their animals we’d urge them to seek help and advice rather than taking drastic action like we’ve seen here.”
The incident in Manchester comes as alarming new figures released by the RSPCA reveal that its officers dealt with more than 1,500 incidents of animals being abandoned in the first month of this year.
With the increase in pet ownership and the cost of living crisis putting a strain on people’s finances, the charity is seeing more animals coming into its care at a time when rehoming has slowed.
A misunderstanding about the true cost of pet ownership is one of the main reasons why the RSPCA believes that animals end up being abandoned. People are urged to do their research and to consider rescuing instead of buying.
In the first month of this year alone, RSPCA officers dealt with 1,529 incidents of animals being abandoned, compared to 1,390 for the same period in 2022, a rise of ten percent. It’s believed the cost of living crisis, coupled with the expected financial pressures on pet owners during the festive season, may have led to the upsurge.
The charity’s rehoming centres are also inundated with large numbers of animals, with over 100 unwanted rabbits being boarded privately until space becomes available at an RSPCA centre.
Pet owners are urged to seek help before letting problems escalate. The RSPCA has opened a telephone helpline – 0300 123 0650 – to support people, while practical help can be found on a recently-launched cost of living hub for those who may be struggling.
Anyone with first hand information about the abandoned rabbits should contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
