Rabbits found abandoned in grounds of school on coldest night of the year

Two rabbits have been found abandoned in the grounds of a school on the coldest night of the year.

The rabbits were brought into the charity’s animal hospital in Victoria after being found with overgrown nails and matts in their fur roaming in the grounds of Pimlico Academy in Lupus Street, Pimlico, by a member of the public last Tuesday night.

Amanda Rumball, London Welfare Officer at Blue Cross, said: “We’re not sure how long they had been there, but with wintry showers and temperatures in London plunging to below freezing overnight this week, they are very lucky not to have succumbed to the weather or any predators.

“Their finder brought them into us on Wednesday, and since then they’ve both settled in well. They’re enjoying their food and I think are just happy to be being cared for.”

The rabbits, thought to be between one and two years old, have both been health checked, have had their matts clipped out and have had their nails trimmed.

The pair will be heading to the charity’s rehoming centre in Tiverton, Devon, this week until they are ready to find new homes.

Blue Cross, which provides low-cost veterinary services to those on benefits, and also has rehoming services across the country, wants to get the message out that they will not judge those struggling with a pet and appeals for those feeling in crisis to pick up the phone for help.

Amanda added: “It is distressing that at this time desperate pet owners may feel they have no other option but to abandon a pet.

“We would urge people not to do this and to pick up the phone or email for help.

“We will never judge and look to do everything in our power to help a pet in crisis, be that through remote support or through our vet or rehoming services.

“We will always be following government guidelines to never put people or pets at risk but have protocols in place to help.”

Pictured top: One of the rabbits