Man guilty after rabbit without water found dead in hutch

The owner of a pet rabbit who died after he was left without water has been disqualified from keeping rabbits for ten years.

Martin Saunders, 29, of Newman Road, Exeter pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a rabbit, known as Digger, when he appeared before magistrates in Exeter on Wednesday (November 30).

He was also sentenced to 60 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs after admitting leaving the rabbit without an adequate supply of fresh water between May 29 and June 1 2016.

The black-and-white lionhead rabbit was discovered dead in his cage by RSPCA inspector Marije Zwager who took his body away for a post mortem which revealed he had died of dehydration.

She said: “It’s heartbreaking to think Digger had been left to suffer without access to water during the hot summer weather.

“There is no doubt that he would have suffered a lot as a result of this neglect - what a horrible way to die.”

Marije encouraged anyone thinking of getting pet rabbits to carefully research what is needed to ensure they are cared for correctly before making the commitment.

She added: “Many people do not realise how complex rabbits can be to care for, and we see many come into our centres after owners have not provided them with what they need to be kept happy and healthy.

“Owning and caring for rabbits can be great fun and very rewarding, but it’s a big responsibility and a long-term commitment in terms of care and cost. We urge anyone thinking of taking on rabbits that they do thorough research about how they need to look after them first and ensure they are able to meet all their welfare needs throughout their lives.”

For more information about how to care for rabbits please visit: http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits