Rabbit rescuers 'lost for words' over donations

Rescue groups and animal charities are working together to help the rabbits which were found in a poor state in a field

A rescue group which has helped save dozens of domestic rabbits after others were found dead or injured in a field has received donations, treats, medicines and more than 160 care packages.

Lucky Bunny and Friends Rescue in Dudley, is among nine groups helping the animals after they were found in Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire, on Monday.

The organisation set up an Amazon wish list appealing for 14 items to be donated. And staff members were delighted to find 163 packages on the doorstep sent by the public.

"Never in our wildest dreams did we think we would ever receive a donation delivery this big, it said on Facebook.

"From the bottom of our hearts we cannot thank you all enough," it read, adding "we are lost for words".

Donations included hay, rabbit food, treats and digestive medication. The group were also able to vaccinate and neuter 17 of the animals.

The group took in 56 rabbits but some have since been taken on by others, including Shrewsbury Rabbit Rescue.

The RSPCA said it found the bodies of 23 rabbits in the field and was investigating the incident, while West Mercia Police said its inquiries were continuing.

RSPCA Inspector Boris Lassere said the rabbits had been living in a poor environment and had numerous wounds which suggested there was fighting amongst the group.

"Any animal being deliberately left behind to fend for itself is a serious case of neglect, and it is increasingly shocking that so many rabbits are abandoned at the same time," he said.