Neighbours Rabbit?

Question

My neighbours pet rabbit has been running free off and on for about a year now and occasionly he comes into my garden (Which i don't mind). On the last occasion he came for a visit, he was in my garden for over a week and not once did my neighbours come to check on him or feed him etc.

The same thing has happened again this week and i noticed this morning that he is now half the size he was. Do you think i should ring the RSPCA for advice/report them as i am worried that they are not looking after him or am i overreacting ( my boyfriend thinks i am!).

My neighbours are hardly ever at home and when he is in my garden i do feed him!

Answer 1

I think you would be better off speaking to your neighbour.
The rabbit might have a condition he is aware of, you will never know if you don't ask.
Good look and keep up the good dandelions!!!

Answer 2

It's a difficult one but I would contact the RSPCA and get them around. The problem is if you contact the neighbour directly there is a chance they could either a) not listen to you anyway or b) it could cause some unwanted conflict between the two of you. At least if you contact the RSPCA about it they will not tell them who it was that reported the problem and you can remain somewhat anonimous.
If they've left the rabbit for over a WEEK and haven't been bothered to check for him then this shows serious commitment issues to this poor guy. If they weren't bothering to try and get him or feed him while he was in your garden what's to say they're not feeding him when he's back home. If you can get hold of him give him a quick check over yourself, have a look at his teeth by gently opening his mouth and see if they're ok, and have an overall feel of him - if he feels thin and scrawny it's probably down to them not bothering to feed him or give him the correct food.
I don't think you're overacting and in your shoes i'd be exactly the same - i'd get the RSPCA to have a look, at least for your own piece of mind and if they're not looking after this little guy properly at least it gives him the chance of finding a better home and life.

Answer 3

Please call the RSPCA or any other animal welfare people in your area. The rabbit may become fox food if not brought in by night. Ideally a rabbit should be in a secure run every day but people do think it's cute seeing bunnies running the garden until they see a fox running with it in their mouths! I'd have a word with your neighbour or write a letter expressing your fears. Perhaps suggest that if they are unable to look after it, perhaps they would allow you to as you seem to care very much for it. If that is unacceptable to them perhaps suggesting they take it to a rescue to get it to another home may be a nother option.I work in a rescue and this type of thing is very difficult to resolve, especially if the neighbours are unwilling to accept they are doing wrong. Persist, especially as he seems thin, he may have upset tummy or his teeth are preventing him from eating properly if the back ones are over grown or the front ones aren't wearing properly. You are right to be concerned and I hope this is resolved quickly for you and the bunny gets the home it deserves ( with you).

Answer 4

Well, if your neighbours are not worried about the whereabouts for over a week, they simply don't care, pets are like children, they need looking after, if a child lived in the garden for a week you would report the parents to the NSPCC. I would ring the RSPCA for advice/report them. Alternatively, if you're friendly with the neighbour, make a joke that the rabbit's always in your garden and you feel that you are the surrogate mother, if they shrug their shoulders, they really don't care, so report them. Good luck.

Answer 5

Thankyou for looking the rabbit in your garden,they are I'm told the most illtreated creature of the domestic pets and its a shame .I would not mention it to your neigbours just call the RSPCA and explain to them whats happened it would be safer for the rabbit to be taken into care they will find a home for him/her as they are in "my opinion" loveable little creatures these people dont deserve to have him.It would be wonderful if you could care for him/her perhaps they might give you the hutch ,as for the weight loss it coud be that it getting lots of exercise running freely in your garden as mine do but I put mine back in his hutch each evening. "do the right thing "if you came on this site to let people know you must care a lot and your not overreacting
Bless you

Answer 6

If you are concerned phone the RSPCA whether you feel like you are overreacting or not, it would put your mind at rest and it wont hurt you could always leave some food down for the rabbit

Answer 7

I would certainly call the RSPCA - it sounds suspiciously to me like your neighbours simply can't be bothered to care for their pet anymore...in the meantime, maybe you should take him in, feed him, look after him, etc and if your neighbours say anything, simply say that you were looking after the rabbit because he seemed ill...

Answer 8

I personally think your better off talking to the neighbour. If the neighbour doesn't react then perhaps go to the RSPCA.

Answer 9

hi , your neighbours must know the rabbit goes walkabouts (or hopabouts) i wouldnt bother speaking to them ,the rabbit is lucky no dog or other animal hasnt got hold of him ,ring the rspca ,best of luck xx

Answer 10

YES YES YES Please call, please. I bet you'd never forgive yourself if he was picked off by a fox or hit by a car. Domestic rabbits must never ever be left to their own devices in this way. Free range is wonderful but no loving owner would just abandon a tame rabbit like this. It may be ignorance or just plain cruelty - but you mustn't let it go on. Rabbits are intelligent little beasts with feelings, this bun deserves better. please call RSPCA on 0870 5555 999 now.