Bunnies left to die near Ogbourne St George (From This Is Wiltshire)

Bunnies left to die near Ogbourne St George

8:00am Friday 20th January 2012 in Latest News By Nigel Kerton

Five pet rabbits that were dumped by the roadside and left to die are now being looked after until they can find a new home.

They were taken to the Cheldene veterinary centre, Ogbourne St George, after being dumped in a layby near a main road in the Swindon area.

They were found by a couple who had parked to take their dogs for a walk and were surprised when the rabbits ran up to them to escape the cold and possible starvation.

Vet Penny Gillespie said the rabbits were clearly used to human contact because the RSPCA inspector who brought them in said that as soon as the couple got out of their car, the rabbits headed straight for them.

She said: “They were obviously very hungry and associated people with food.”

Although it is believed the unnamed finders fed them, the rabbits were still hungry when they arrived at Cheldene.

They include two black rabbits, one sandy-coloured lop ear, one black and white lionhead and one grey and white rabbit.

RSPCA spokesman Jo Barr told the Gazette that abandoning any pet animal was cruel and if the people who did it could be identified they would face prosecution.

She said: “Sadly we are seeing a massive increase in the number of animals being abandoned. People often think that because they see wild rabbits in the countryside they can return pet rabbits to the wild, but often they cannot fend for themselves and could starve.”

Anyone who would like to rehome a rabbit or a pair can call Cheldene on (01672) 841247.