Abandoned earless rabbits need good new homes

Fears rabbits' ears were cut off deliberately

20.02.12 

We are appealing for good new homes for abandoned rabbits in Kent, including three whose ears are feared to have been cut off.

Two of the poor bunnies are white and were found dumped in Quex Park in Thanet, Kent, on Friday, 10 February.

One is missing half an ear and the other has both ears missing.
 

These two white rabbits were found along with a black rabbit who has both ears intact but had an infected eye.

Then, on Saturday, 11 February, a brown rabbit was also found with both ears missing.

The unfortunate foursome are currently being cared for by our Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone Branch until new homes are found for them as our Isle of Thanet Branch had no room.

Possibly a despicable act of cruelty

Cattery and small animals manager, Katie Harris, at our Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone Branch said:

We can't be completely sure, but we think that someone may have deliberately cut off the rabbits' ears and dumped them.

If so, this is an absolutely despicable thing to do to any animal and we would like to hear from anyone who thinks they might know who was responsible.

Housing donations and new homes sought for rabbits

As well as seeking loving new homes for the rabbits in its care, our Tunbridge wells and Maidstone Branch desperately needs appropriate rabbit housing as the animals are currently in temporary housing.

There is no room for any more rabbits likely to come into the branch's care over the next few weeks.

Katie added:

We really need to make sure we have enough housing, including large hutches, shelters and exercise runs for these rabbits and any others we take in.

Donations would be very welcome so we can continue to add to our rabbit accommodation.

And of course if anyone thinks they can offer a permanent home to any of our rabbits we would also like to hear from them.

How you can help

1. Adopt a rescue rabbit 

The branch currently has six rabbits ready for rehoming.

As well as those mentioned above, Peter Rabbit, a brown lop-eared rabbit pictured right, is also looking for a new home.

He was found in Mote Park in Maidstone earlier this month.

So if you're thinking of getting a rabbit, please consider adopting two or more of these rescue rabbits. Bunnies are social animals which like to live in compatible pairs or groups.

You can find out more about rabbits and the care they need in our pets pages.

2. Donate rabbit housing

Any donations of appropriate rabbit housing or money towards rabbit housing would be very much appreciated too.

To adopt or donate, please contact:

RSPCA Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone Branch

Telephone: Katie Harris on 07595 997674

3. Help our investigation

If you have any information at all about what happened to the abandoned earless rabbits, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, we'd really like to hear from you.

Please call us in confidence on our 24-hour cruelty line: 0300 1234 999.

Thank you.