Neighbour's Neglected Rabbit

[Balloonist]

For the second time I've had to trespass into my neighbours garden to feed their rabbit. They have gone away for the weekend. Unlike last time there was no rabbit food nearby so I have had to pick grass and dandelion leaves and give a small selection of vegetables. I have also filled the water bottle (don't know how long it's been empty).

The rabbit hutch has never been moved and there is no grass left, only droppings. I have never seen them clean the rabbit out. There is no straw/bedding in the house. The rabbit looks very depressed and is sitting in the corner of the hutch doing nothing.

I phoned RSPCA for advice and they said they could arrange a visit but I don't want to fall out with my neighbours over this in the first instance. I would like to speak to them about the rabbit and tell them how to care for it properly but I don't know how to do it diplomatically. I can't bear to see the rabbit suffer.

This couple are young and volatile ( They argue a lot and have fallen out with other beighbours). I don't want to fall out with them but this situation is wrong.

Any ideas? I don't think they knew what they were doing whenb they got the rabbit. A friend got it for them for their toddler but basically now summer is over, no one is in the garden any more and the rabbit gets no attention.

Can you offer to rehome it? Failing that I'd definitely get the RSPCA out. Poor thing.

I could offer to rehome it ( I'd love to have it running about the garden once a day)if they haven't time for it although we are going to move soon and have young children and lots going on so didn't really want the added responsibility of a pet.

I think I'm going to have to tell them I've been going in to feed it and let them know I think it's depressed and needs some TLC.

Thank you for your reply

Rabbits are the most neglected of the small domestic animals

There's loads online - you could maybe print off some leaflets for them.

The RSPCA
"A Hutch is Not Enough" (they need two hops which is about 6 feet for an average bunny)

Definately let them know you've fed it and the effort you've had to go to. Otherwise they'll think their disregard of the rabbit is ok.

One thing for sure though. It's getting to winter and this poor blighters life isn't going to get any better

To be honest next time they are away I would just go and take the poor thing. Arrange for it to go to a small animal rescue organisation and just play dumb if they ask if you know anything about it. I know technically it could be seen as theft but their abuse of the poor thing over-rides that in my opinion.

But, if you feel that option is not for you you may have to go down the RSPCA route. I'm just glad that this poor bunny has got someone (you) who cares about it. Rabbits are so often mistreated; it's terrible.

Rabbits can die very fast with no food and their diet should predominantly be hay or grass.

Perhaps you could print off some leaflets from the Rabbit Welfare Association website and pop them through the door anonymously? Or if you felt able explain that you've been feeding it and could take it if they wanted?

I spoke to them this morning. My DC helped by saying that we'd been feeding their rabbit. They did say thank you and assured me they had fed it this morning (on their return after two days). I did tell them that the rabbit had been without water for at least a day and I had not seen any food so had not been able to feed it anything but grass and dandelions.

I'm hoping they will just ask me next time they go away but as I can see into the garden (wire fence), I will be able to keep an eye on things. I'm thinking about buying some hay and when they next go out I will put some in the hutch as it has no bedding/grazing matter.

I did some research yesterday so I know they are predominantly hay/grass eaters now.

We will shortly be moving so I think I will keep an eye on what happens and look out for the rabbit while I hear. When I move I will report to RSPCA as we will not stay in contact and won't have to worry about the relationship deteriorating but will be able to make sure someone goes in to see it.

I understand that they just give advice in the first instance anyway.

If they don't do anything when the weather gets colder (I don't think they will) I will tell them they need to put blankets over the hutch or move it into a shed.

I hate to think how many other rabbits are being mistreated in this way. not unkind people (just haven't got a clue).

You're right about the numbers of rabbits. I'm sure a load of them aren't deliberate cruelty, more lack of thought.

"But wild rabbits sit outside they don't have hutches and covers" I hear.

Once you domesticate an animal -any animal- you remove their choice and you take on the mantle of responsibility.

I'm always told "Oh, but it's cold in Peru ". My guinea-pigs have never been in peru. They are a million miles away from the rangey cavies that run free.
They're pets. MY pets

Just report them to the RSPCA anyway. Poor rabbit.