A WOMAN has been issued with a caution after a rabbit died and another was found to be malnourished at a house in Colne.

The RSPCA contacted police to help seize the animals after they had a tip-off from a member of the public reporting that the rabbits were not being treated properly.

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Police said that after repeated failed attempts to gain access to the property, they obtained a warrant from the magistrates’ court to be able to enter the back yard.

When entering the yard, officers found one rabbit dead in a cage and another, said to be underfed, running around the yard.

RSPCA inspector NatalieTaylor took possession of one rabbit. The other will be subject to a post mortem to establish the cause of death.

PC Nigel Keates said: “We were approached by the RSPCA to obtain access into the yard to seize the rabbits. They had a tip-off from someone who believed that the rabbits were not being looked after properly.

“Myself, PCSO Trish Thompson and RSPCA inspector Natalie Taylor went to the property last week and found one rabbit, in a cage, which was dead and another that was hopping around in the yard. The RSPCA inspector believed that rabbit to be on the thin side. Inside the hutch there was no food and the water bottle was empty.”

The owner was given a caution under section four of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

PC Nigel Keates said: “The woman who owned the rabbits has been spoken to and issued with a caution. We have a very good working relationship with the RSPCA in this area. They are always going above and beyond their call of duty and once again they have shown what vital work they carry out.”

The RSPCA was unavailable for comment.

Anyone wanting to report a sick or injured animal can call 0300 1234 999 or go to www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/report cruelty/online.

  • Recently published research by the University of Bristol revealed that many rabbits could be living in conditions which are potentially detrimental to their welfare. The RSPCA's Dr Jane Tyson said: “The study showed that 59 per cent of rabbits live in hutches and less than a quarter of rabbits have continual access to an exercise area. Rabbits should have constant access to an appropriate exercise area to allow them to exhibit their natural behaviours and for their mental and physical wellbeing.”