Bunnies binned before Christmas

Dec 20 2012 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

Two live rabbits were found dumped next to rubbish bins in Hamilton.

The frightened female bunnies were in a cage which had been wrapped in a black bag alongside wheeelie bins in Thornhill Road about noon last Tuesday, December 11.

Staff from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were alerted when a resident discovered the animals.

Nicknamed Holly and Ivy, the white and fawn rabbis are now recovering from their ordeal at the Scottish SPCA’s Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Hamilton.

Animal rescue officer Gavin Law said, “Holly and Ivy were dumped in a small cage that was only suitable for indoor use and only big enough for one guinea pig at most.

“They had no food or water and it was bitterly cold last Tuesday so it’s very lucky they were found. I don’t believe they would have survived on their own for much longer.

“Holly and Ivy were literally thrown out like rubbish and the cruel person who did this clearly didn’t care whether they lived or died.

“Ivy, the smaller rabbit of the two, was terrified of being handled at first, but after a few days in our care she has relaxed and both rabbits seem much more settled.

“We’re keen to trace the person who dumped these poor bunnies in this callous way and we’re also hoping to find Holly and Ivy a loving and permanent home.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information about Holly and Ivy’s abandonment or wishing to offer the rabbits a home should to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Last week, the Scottish SPCA reported that a cat had been found dumped in a sack at temporary traffic lights between Strathaven and Hamilton. He, too, is recovering at the centre.