Animal welfare charity, the RSPCA, are appealing for information after a local couple rescued a pair of rabbits which were dumped in a box in freezing temperatures at a Bartley Green beauty spot.
The couple were out for their daily walk on Monday (10th January) when they spotted a box at Bartley Reservoir. The box contained two male domesticated rabbits – one had jumped from the box but luckily they spotted it close by and were able to retrieve it.
The abandoned rabbits were taken home and cared for until collected by the RSPCA’s Nichola Geraghty, herself a rabbit owner.
Nichola said: “It is lucky these rabbits were found, they could easily have escaped into the woodland or stayed inside the box and been mistaken for fly-tipped rubbish.
“It is never the answer to just dump an animal, we would always urge people to look for help from friends and family or from charities as there are other options.
“These rabbits are domesticated and would never have survived on their own.”
The rabbits, who have been named Snuggles and Cuddles by the RSPCA, are now being cared for at their Newbrook Animal Centre in Frankley.
One of the rabbits is a white and tan lop, the other a harlequin type tri colour – they are in good condition and seem used to being handled, although their claws were very long.
They were microchipped but the chip held no details. The RSPCA is urging all pet owners to check their chip details are up to date.
Rabbits live for around 8 to 12 years and are sociable, intelligent animals that need plenty of stimulation. Anyone considering adding a rabbit to their family is urged to do their research first and there is lots of rabbit care information on the RSPCA website.
Anyone with information on these two rabbits can call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.
To support the RSPCA to continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit their donation page or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.
