Scottish SPCA

Bunny dumped in box

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a rabbit was found dumped in a cardboard box in Galston in freezing conditions.

A member of the public spotted the frightened male lop-eared crossbreed at a park on Goatfoot Road on Sunday (18 December) and handed him in to our Ayrshire and South West Scotland Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

The friendly rabbit has been named Frosty by staff and is now receiving the love and care he needs.

Centre Manager Marion Hainey said, "Frosty is very nervous and doesn't like being handled, which suggests he isn't used to being picked up.

"It's possible that his owner became bored of him when they realised he wasn't comfortable being petted and this is why they've dumped him.

"To just leave Frosty in a park in a cardboard box is very cruel and we're glad that the person who found him was kind enough to bring him to our centre.

"The weather has been freezing cold over the past few days and Frosty might not have survived much longer if he hadn't been rescued.

"He's a lovely boy and with regular handling and a patient owner he will make a great pet.

"We do find it difficult to rehome rabbits in winter but we'll look after Frosty until we can find him the caring new home he deserves."

Abandoning an animal is an offence that carries stiff penalties including up to six months in prison and a £5,000 fine. Anyone found guilty of doing so can also expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information relating to this abandonment is being urged to contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

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