Shock as rabbits dumped in Burgess Hill recreation ground

Three rabbits were found abandoned in a Burgess Hill recreation ground.
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The bunnies were found loose on June 18, by a member of the public, who appealed for information on Facebook.

They said: “Three very pretty domestic rabbits found loose in Burgess Hill, hold up in amongst some protection against the rain, is anyone aware, lost them or able to help to rescue them?

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“They have some food and straw so someone knows about them. I’ve tried but only managed to catch one.”

The three bunnies were found loose in a recreation groundThe three bunnies were found loose in a recreation ground
The three bunnies were found loose in a recreation ground

Concerned members of the public quickly responded to the Facebook post and rallied to help rescue the bunnies.

A resident told the Middy: “I contacted the person who had written the status and had initially come across the plight of these dear little souls earlier that morning, in order to assist.

“Once I was aware of the location – a thicket in the middle of a recreation ground in Burgess Hill – we met at the area, where I contacted another member of the group, who then alerted members of her family, in an attempt to participate in the search.

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“I was quite perturbed by the fact that whoever had abandoned the rabbits, perhaps thought that they were being somewhat ‘considerate’ by leaving hay and food nearby!

Where the bunnies were foundWhere the bunnies were found
Where the bunnies were found

“Following a couple of hours of searching whilst not being deterred by waist high stinging nettles and brambles, a bunch of people – including a animal-loving family and myself – felt palpable relief after the remaining two lop-eared rabbits were caught safely.

“Eastbourne Rabbit Rescue came to collect the rabbits later that evening, the night of the horrendous electrical storm over Seaford and surrounding areas.”

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “We would like to thank the members of the public who rescued these rabbits and took them in to safety. Had the rabbits not been found they would not have survived in the wild on their own.

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“The rabbits were taken in by a rabbit rescue and have now been transferred to RSPCA Brighton Animal Shelter at Patcham.

“We are pleased to report the rabbits are all doing very well. They are two tan-coloured adults who the centre has named Maple and Marwood and are both thought to be around one to two years old.

“The third rabbit who could possibly be the pair’s baby is white in colour, around 12 weeks old and has been called Gem.

“All three rabbits are lop-eared rabbits. They have been given lots of love and attention at Patcham and the adults have been neutered and vaccinated.

“Anyone who is interested in offering them a new home can contact 01273 554218 or visit http://rspca-brighton.org.uk.”