Inspectors responding to an animal neglect report couldn’t believe their eyes when they came across 47 giant rabbits ‘left to breed with each other’ in small, dirty hutches.
Giant rabbits with 7-inch-long ears
After the RSPCA were tipped off about the rabbits living in dreadful conditions, the animal inspectors headed to the property expecting to see the usual pet bunnies. They couldn’t believe their eyes when they came across something quite different.
The place was full of rabbits, 47 of them in total, some as big as a medium-sized dog. The animals were left to breed with each other uncontrollably in small, dirty hutches. The largest bunny weighed a staggering 8kg and had incredible 7-inch-long ears.
🐰 My, what big… Everything you have! 🙀
We came to the rescue of 47 Flemish giant rabbits who were being kept in small, dirty hutches and left to breed 👶 Thankfully they’re all now in our care and getting lots of TLC. Read more about these beauties: https://t.co/ZHHLqyNsN2pic.twitter.com/IExJm77UrX
— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) July 23, 2022
Inspector Trevor Walker, who helped to rescue the rabbits, said:
These poor rabbits were living in cramped and dirty conditions, which would have been very unpleasant for them, especially in the heat.
‘Bred to be eaten’
The Flemish Giant Rabbit, also called the ‘king of rabbits’, can reach an immense size very quickly. It can weigh as much as 4 pounds or more by 7 or 8 weeks of age. According to the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), there is no maximum weight for a Flemish Giant. Although often kept as pets, these rabbits are still bred by some for their fur and their meat. It is believed that, in this particular case, the animals were bred to be eaten.
RSPCA representatives commented:
Sadly, rabbits are becoming an increasing problem across the RSPCA as we see more and more of them coming into our care, many as a result of the cost of living crisis.
Looking for a new home
Despite the filthy conditions and lack of proper care, all the rabbits were free from diseases. Only one of them had to be administered medication for weepy eyes and had a wound on the back of its neck. As soon as the fluffy giants are neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, they will be ready for their new, caring homes.
Flemish Giant rabbits are sweet, lovable companions who can be kept inside and blend well into family life. When kept indoors, they will hop around the house and sit on their owners’ laps. They can even be trained to use a litter box. However, these rabbits can grow nervous if handled forcibly. If they are kept in a cage, they need more room than a smaller breed because of their massive size.
RSPCA is a charity dedicated to animal welfare and rescue. Head to their website to learn more about their vital work and to support the organisation.
Read more:
⋙ Abandoned dog with horrendous ear infection rescued from a busy bypass
⋙ This adorable puppy was rescued by garbage collectors after it was thrown into a dumpster
⋙ This rescued dog was covered in bite marks after living with a ‘crazy hoarder’ for 11 years
