PET owners are being warned not to dump their unwanted rabbits by the side of the road after a spate of incidents saw some being abandoned in Irvine.

The Scottish SPCA has said domestic rabbits cannot survive in the wild following cases of abandonment in Irvine.

In the latest case SSPCS staff found a pet rabbit running loose amongst a group of wild rabbits near Auchengate Sawmill and say they believe it was purposefully abandoned there.

The friendly white and brown lop eared rabbit is now in the care of our Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre and has been named Chip. Animal Rescue Officer Ali Hill said, “Construction workers saw Chip and realised he was different from the wild rabbits.

“Some people might think their pet will be able to integrate into a group of wild rabbits but we must stress that this is not the case.

“Domestic bunnies don’t have the same survival skills as wild rabbits and may die from starvation, come to harm on a road or suffer an attack by another animal.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time I’ve rescued a rabbit from this spot. Last year a pet bunny was found very emaciated as he clearly hadn’t been able to feed.

“Sadly, he was in such poor condition that putting him to sleep was the kindest and only humane option.

“We would like to remind people that abandoning an animal is an offence.

“In this case we will be able to find Chip a loving new home but, tragically, other rabbits left to fend for themselves may not be so lucky.” Anyone with information about this abandonment is being urged to contact the Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.