Dozens of Abandoned Rabbits Found Dead or Dying in Worcestershire Field

Domestic rabbits, numbering in the dozens, were discovered deceased, near death, or in severe distress, having been left in a field. On Monday, animal rescue volunteers responded to a call in Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire, to assist in gathering the animals. Volunteers reported that some rabbits lacked ears or eyes and emitted a foul odor, indicative of their extremely poor health. The RSPCA has initiated an investigation into the incident, while West Mercia Police confirmed that their inquiries are ongoing. According to the RSPCA, Lucky Bunny and Friends Rescue, an animal rescue organization, received 56 live rabbits. However, additional rabbits were subsequently discovered by other individuals. The RSPCA reported transporting two live rabbits to a veterinary clinic and retrieving the remains of 23 rabbits during the course of their investigation. Veterinary examinations are currently being conducted on the recovered bodies, and post-mortem examinations are scheduled. RSPCA Inspector Boris Lassere stated: “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.” Lassere added: “These rabbits have clearly been living in a poor environment, and had numerous wounds suggesting there was infighting amongst the group.” He further commented: “This increases the concerns as to where they have come from and the conditions they were kept in.” Lucky Bunny and Friends Rescue, an organization situated in Gornal Wood, is collaborating with five additional charities to provide continuous care for the rescued rabbits. Volunteers from the rescue efforts have issued an appeal for donations to assist with veterinary expenses and ongoing care. Vicky Grant, a volunteer involved, recounted that she was assisting in gathering the rabbits while still in her pyjamas, having received a phone call about the situation with a friend. She described the animals, all of which were domestic breeds, as being completely soaked, with some already deceased and others appearing to be on the verge of death. Grant stated: “There were so many of them we didn’t know what to do because I thought they were going to be small but they weren’t.” The rescue organization reported taking in 16 male and 40 female rabbits, with some believed to be pregnant. The organization indicated that all the rabbits required neutering, spaying, or vaccination.