Derby: Appeal after abandoned pet rabbits 'flung' out of car

The surviving rabbit is being looked after by the RSPCA

The RSPCA is investigating after a number of rabbits were "flung" out of a car - and one of them was found to have a broken neck and facial injuries.

The rabbits were abandoned near to Allestree Park in Derby by the driver of a white BMW.

Several of the rabbits scattered and only two have been found since they were dumped in Saul Lane on 14 December.

Of these two rabbits, one had to be put down because of his injuries.

RSPCA inspector Pamela Bird, who is investigating, said: "This is a cruel abandonment of domestic rabbits who were left in the open.

"One of the rabbits was found on a grass verge, while later another rabbit was found nearby.

"If anyone saw anything suspicious in this area of Derby that evening or if anyone recognises these rabbits then we would ask them to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0800 123 8018."

Rise in abandonments

The RSPCA said the rabbits were found by a woman who heard a car door slamming at about 19:00 GMT.

Her husband then confronted the driver of the BMW, but it sped off.

The rabbit who survived, a neutered male lop, is now in the care of the charity.

The RSPCA said there had been a big rise in the numbers of rabbits being abandoned or given up - with a 48% increase between 2021 and 2022.