Rabbit dumped in the cold in Galston park
21 December
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Frightened rabbit: Frosty would not have survived much longer in the freezing cold if a member of the public hadn’t found him and handed him in
This poor, frightened rabbit was found cruelly dumped in a cardboard box amongst freezing conditions in Portland Park.
The male lop-eared crossbreed was lucky to be spotted by a member of the public because according to the SSPCA, he would not have survived much longer in the cold weather.
The friendly rabbit is now receiving the love and care he needs at the nearest SSPCA rehoming centre in Mainholm - where he has been affectionately nicknamed Frosty by staff.
Now the charity is appealing for information relating to Frosty’s abandonment - an offence that carries stiff penalties, including up to six months in prison and a £5,000 fine.
Anyone found guilty of abandoning a pet can also expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
SSPCA centre manager, Marion Hainey, described Frosty as “a lovely boy” and said that with regular handling and a patient owner, he would make a great pet.
She said: "To just leave Frosty in a park in a cardboard box is very cruel and we're glad that the person who found him was kind enough to bring him to our centre.
"The weather has been freezing cold over the past few days and Frosty might not have survived much longer if he hadn't been rescued.
"Frosty is very nervous and doesn't like being handled, which suggests he isn't used to being picked up.
"It's possible that his owner became bored of him when they realised he wasn't comfortable being petted and this is why they've dumped him.
"We do find it difficult to rehome rabbits in winter but we'll look after Frosty until we can find him the caring new home he deserves."
Anyone with any information relating to Frosty’s abandonment is urged to contact the Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
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