Anger as pet rabbits found 'dumped' in Bierley Woods

Animal rescue group Bunny Angels was alerted to the fact that one rabbit had been spotted over the weekend.

But when volunteers arrived, they realised there were four in total, as well as remains of another that had died.

Vicky Newham of the community interest company told the Telegraph & Argus that dumping rabbits in woodland, parks and golf courses was more common than people think.

Two of the rabbits found dumped in Bierley Woods in Bradford (Image: Bunny Angels)

In a social media post, she said: “To the person who dumped their rabbits in a park in Bradford.

“Domestic rabbits cannot survive in the wild – do you care that one of your rabbits was ripped to shreds by a predator and had a terrifying and painful death? Do you care that we couldn’t catch one of your rabbits and they are out there alone with sparrow hawks, foxes and mink?

“One of your rabbits has severely overgrown incisors and cannot eat, you callously left him to die of starvation.

“Don’t worry rescues will pick up pieces – a team of volunteers spent last night catching your rabbits, finding safe spaces for them and arranging transport to rescue spaces.”

She said that two of the rabbits were females and were possibly pregnant, and another had such overgrown teeth it would be impossible for him to eat anything.

The rabbit with overgrown teeth (Image: Bunny Angels)

It would cost approximately £1,200 to get them vaccinated, neutered and dental treatment, she added.

As such the group has set up a fundraising page in order to raise the necessary funds.

Vicky added: “This can happen because people get two rabbits, they don’t realise they are male and female, then they breed quickly and it becomes too much for them - or their kids get bored of them.

“People see rabbits in the wild and think it’s okay to dump their pets in woodland or the park. But obviously, they can’t survive out in the wild.”

She added that the current cost-of-living crisis is impacting pet owners too.

In terms of advice to any potential pet owner, she added: “Think before you take on a rabbit. They are a ten-year commitment, and they are not an easy pet to look after.

“If you do want to get a rabbit as a pet, go to a rescue rather than a breeder.”

To help pay for the rescued rabbits’ treatment, visit gofund.me/277cf62b.