Farmer performs roadside C-section to rescue baby hare

Bruno the baby hare was rescued by a farmer near Gretna

A baby hare is "growing stronger every day" after a farmer performed an emergency roadside caesarean section on its mother, according to an animal welfare charity.

The adult female hare was killed during a farming accident in Rigg near Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway on 13 May.

But when farmer Robert Craig noticed movement in her stomach, he delivered two of her babies using a pen knife.

While one of the babies did not survive, the other has been named Bruno by Scottish SPCA staff and is now being cared for at the charity's rescue centre.

The baby hare is said to be making good progress at the rescue centre

Mr Craig was silaging when he accidentally hit the adult female hare with his machinery.

"I went to check what I had struck and sadly found the hare dead," he said.

"I saw her stomach move and knew instantly she was pregnant, and I had to act quickly to give the babies a chance at life.

"I carefully cut her open and saw the babies. I gave them a gentle swing to clear out any mucus, just like you would with newborn lambs."

He said he rubbed their bodies to try and get them breathing before calling the Scottish SPCA.

Bruno was immediately transferred to Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, where the charity provides care for orphaned and injured animals.

Bruno weighed 80g when he was rescued

When he was rescued, Bruno was underweight at just 80g - more than 20g below the average birth weight for a newborn hare.

Animal rescue officer Emma Totney, who attended the scene, said: "When I arrived, I was surprised by how alert and energetic the baby was – it was a huge relief. He was feeding well and already showing signs of real fight.

"He was smaller than we'd expect for a newborn, but clearly a fighter. He's a little miracle."

The charity said he now weighs more than nine times his original weight and has begun eating independently.

It is hoped Bruno will be ready for release in the coming weeks if his progress continues.