The RSPCA has launched an investigation after seven sick and injured rabbits were found dumped in a park in Birmingham.
RSPCA animal collection officer, Cara Gibbon collected six of the rabbits, which were found in woodland by a passerby who contacted the animal welfare charity.
The passerby managed to catch the rabbits and put them in a box so that ACO Gibbon could collect them and take them for veterinary treatment.
The following day, another officer was called to the same area in the same park to find a seventh rabbit, which was also in a terrible condition with severely overgrown teeth.
ACO Gibbon was shocked at the ‘horrendous’ condition that the rabbits were in. She said: “All of the males had nasty injuries that looked like they were a result of fighting and they all had fur loss.
“They were all underweight and covered in sores and open wounds. One of the bunnies had badly infected eyes. I’m furious that someone could be so cruel as to allow these rabbits to get in such a shocking condition and then dump them in a park to fend for themselves, instead of seeking veterinary treatment.”
The rabbits have been named Ollie, Oscar, Odin, Owen, Otto and Ola and are being looked after by staff at RSPCA Walsall, who have been cleaning the rabbits’ wounds and are giving them treatment for infections.
A spokeswoman for the branch, said: “On arrival, I have never seen rabbits so desperate for hay and water. They ate so much hay in such a period of time and the water disappearing, it was heartbreaking to see.”
The RSPCA is now investigating where the rabbits have come from and would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in Doe Bank Park in Great Barr or may know who is responsible for dumping them to get in touch by calling 0300 123 8018.
For more information about caring for rabbits or to offer a home to a rescued rabbit, please visit www.rspca.org
