Four rabbits abandoned at a mountain road lay-by have been rescued by the RSPCA.
RSPCA inspector Gemma Black collected the rabbits earlier this week (Monday 21 March) after they were found at a lay-by near to Llechwen Hall Hotel, Cilfynydd, near Pontypridd.
“The driver who found the rabbits stopped when they saw that one of the rabbits – who had some wounds – was in the middle of the road,” said Gemma. “They then found the other three rabbits nearby and called us.
“It does sadly appear that they have been dumped, and we would appeal to anyone with any information about these rabbits to call 0300 1234 999 and quote incident number 830775.”
The four rabbits – who are all male – are now safe in RSPCA care, with the injured rabbit receiving veterinary treatment.
Gemma added: “We would like to remind people about the potential offences involved about releasing domesticated pet rabbits to the wild.
“There are not only the dangers of the road, but also wild predators such as foxes and they would be unable to survive in the wild.”
Despite rabbits often being perceived as an ideal ‘starter pet’ for young children, they actually have very complex needs and are one of the most neglected pets in Britain. It means sadly the RSPCA deals with many calls about bunnies where they have been neglected or abandoned.
“We will never truly know why people abandon animals,” said Gemma. “Our experience tells us that it could be down to a number of reasons, for example when owners are unable to cope, whether that be with an animal’s behaviour, the costs of keeping the pet or other things in their life take over they opt to dump them.”
