RSPCA appeal after two rabbits abandoned in plastic box at Hirwaun

Two rabbits have been abandoned in a plastic box in Hirwaun.

A dog walker discovered the rabbits after they had been dumped on Thursday 13 April at around 9.30am. They were found on a path round the back of the houses down a trail near Trenant, Hirwaun.

RSPCA Cymru has now launched an appeal for information to find out what happened to these two rabbits. Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and quote 01054928.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector Gemma Cooper said: “These poor rabbits were just left in a plastic box on their own. Luckily they were spotted by someone whose dog initially found them, who then contacted us.

“The rabbits are now in RSPCA care and are doing well – and will be put up for rehoming if an owner is not found.

“Unfortunately there is no CCTV in the area so we’d appreciate it if anyone has any information about this abandonment to give us a call.”

The cost of living crisis is thought to be behind the surge in abandonments that the RSPCA is seeing. Officers in Wales have dealt with a spate of recent incidents including:

Two young terrier puppies were abandoned in a plastic bag near Cross Hands on Tuesday 4 April.

A female cat and her four very young kittens were found in a carrier in a wooded area in Blaenavon on 1 March.

Four newborn kittens – two of whom had sadly died – were abandoned in a cardboard box next to a path in Ravenhill Park in Swansea on 24 February.

Gemma added: “Sadly, more and more people are abandoning their animals and 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.

“But there is never an excuse to abandon an animal – she must have been so frightened and cold. If anyone can help us with enquiries to find her owner please get in touch.”

The RSPCA is providing dedicated cost of living support for worried pet owners, with a recently-opened telephone helpline on 0300 123 0650 and an online hub, which has lots of practical tips and advice, including details of pet food bank schemes.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.