A walker was left stunned when they found a family of rabbits dumped in a wheelie bin at Bestwood Country Park. The two adult rabbits and seven young rabbits were found in a bin in the car park in Bestwood Village on Sunday (October 30) at 2pm.
The RSPCA has now launched a public appeal for information. RSPCA inspector Keith Ellis, who picked the rabbits up from the walker, said: “We know times are tough at the moment for everyone but the answer is never to dump an animal - and especially not in a bin where they may never have been found.
“The RSPCA has resources to help if you are struggling to care for an animal during the cost of living crisis - including our new online hub. Family and friends can often help and people struggling can even seek advice from a local charity or vet.
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“We are grateful to the member of the public who spotted these rabbits and they are now recovering in RSPCA care. If anyone does recognise these bunnies they can ring the RSPCA confidentially on 0300 123 8018.”
The RSPCA has reported a large increase - 49% - in rabbits coming into its care in the first half of 2022. While the charity’s new Animal Kindness Index found 28% of owners are worried about being able to care for their pets.
Mr Ellis added: “With more people struggling, we expect more animals will be neglected and abandoned by owners who can no longer afford to care for them. And with fuel and energy costs rising, the cost of rescuing and caring for animals continues to increase too.
“Please don’t let animals pay the price of the cost of living crisis this Christmas. To Join the Winter Rescue and help our rescuers be there for the animals in need, please visit our webpage." More RSPCA help and advice on the cost of living crisis can be found here.
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