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Rabbits living in appalling conditions
We received a call from a concerned member of the public regarding some rabbits and the conditions they were being kept in. When our Inspector, Dave McAdam, arrived at the address he was appalled by what he found.
In a shed two rabbits, one white-and-grey and one tri-coloured, were lying dead on the ground. Both lacked fat and muscle, especially over their hind legs. There were further horrors in a hutch, Inspector McAdam, discovered another rabbit who had obviously been dead for a number of days.
Unacceptable conditions for rabbits
All of the remaining rabbits were lucky to have survived the appalling and unacceptable conditions they were being forced to live in.
There was no food or hay/straw provided and, by the level of soiling found, it was evident that they had not been cleaned out for sometime.
None of the hutches had any bedding, nesting or comfortable sleeping areas in order that the surviving rabbits could keep warm and demonstrate natural behaviour. If Inspector McAdam had not intervened, it was highly likely further rabbits would have died.
The surviving rabbits were taken to a vet where they ate immediately when food was offered.
Failing to meets the needs of rabbits
A couple and their 18-year-old son were charged with seven counts of failing to meet the needs of their rabbits.
The son, who had learning difficulties, said he had done his best but admitted he knew little about rabbits. He said his father was an alcoholic and unreliable, and his mother was in and out of hospital with pregnancy complications.
The three defendants pleaded guilty to all seven charges. All three defendants were disqualified from keeping all animals for five years and ordered to pay £60 costs.
Your support
Without your support we would not be able to investigate and prosecute in cases like this.
There are many ways you can support us, including making a donation to help make sure we're always on hand to rescue animals like William.
If you're concerned about the welfare of an animal, please call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line:
0300 1234 999.