Baby bunnies left to die in a box by roadside

Just days after Christmas, the animal welfare charity the USPCA was shocked at the discovery of 13 white bunnies abandoned in a cardboard box in the Green Road area of Camlough, County Armagh.

The bunnies are made up of a mother, father and 11 baby bunnies, five of which furred kits and the other six are furless, which denotes they are less than seven days old.

The bunnies were found by a member of the public whilst out walking their dog and were immediately brought to the attention of the USPCA.

Discarded in a cardboard box, they were in a state of sheer distress and freezing. Without any intervention the bunnies would have inevitably perished.

Colleen Tinnelly, USPCA Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are horrified and appalled that someone abandoned these poor defenceless animals.

“They were essentially left to die at the roadside. The USPCA condemns the actions of the individual responsible for the abandonment.

“Once again we have been reminded that there are cruel, heartless individuals out there who do not care for the welfare of their animals.

“We plea with the public to do their research before getting a pet to prevent cases like this happening.

“Each animal, be it a dog, bunny or cat, has its own set of needs and unless you are able to meet these needs and give the animal the best life possible, do not consider getting a pet.

“Thankfully, following examination from our veterinary team, the bunnies are in good health.

“However, this could have been a very different story if they had not been found and brought into our care.

“We commend and thank the member of the public for bringing them into our care, rather than leaving them to a slow and agonising death at the side of the road.”