Scottish SPCA appeal after neglected rabbit found in Edinburgh

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a rabbit was found in an extremely poor condition in Edinburgh, suspected to have been abandoned.WARNING: This article contains images that some readers may find upsetting.

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Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted when the rabbit was found straying off Gilmerton Road on Friday 12 August.

The rabbit’s condition was so severe that he had to be put to sleep to prevent any further suffering.

The rabbit was sadly put to sleep after being found by the Scottish SSPCA.

Assistant centre manager Kenny Sharpe said, “This poor rabbit was a male English type rabbit who was suffering in the late stages of myxomatosis.

“He was emaciated, matted, had laboured breathing and was covered in urine and faeces.

“There were shavings over his body which suggests he had been in a hutch or had been in contact with bedding recently.

“This poor boy would have been suffering for a long time and we suspect someone has abandoned him in this terrible condition.

The rabbit was sadly put to sleep after being found by the Scottish SSPCA.

“Sadly, his condition would never have improved and he had to be put to sleep to prevent him from suffering any longer.

“We are urging anyone who has any information as to who may have owned this rabbit or who may have dumped him like this to contact us in confidence.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.