Rabbit dumped and left for dead in Nottinghamshire finds forever home

Reacher the rabbit was left to fend for himself after he was callously thrown out by fly-tippers, who dumped a load of household waste on land near Newark earlier this year.

The bunny was discovered cowering by his open cage by an off duty Nottinghamshire Police inspector as he was out for a morning run.

He rescued the rabbit and now he has been rehomed by the RSPCA, after being adopted by a family who have given him a new start in life with their other bunny – called Honey – at their home in Arnold, which he also shares with their two RSPCA adopted cats.

His new owner, Louise Ellis, said: “When we read the story about poor old Reacher our hearts were broken to hear of how someone could be so horrible and throw away a family pet like this.

“I have been involved with the RSPCA for years but it still shocks me to think that someone could be so cruel - it amazes me that he survived his ordeal and am so grateful that the police found him.

“He’s settled in extremely well here along with his new housemate Honey. It is really sweet to see him hopping about without a care in the world.

"He is a little scruffy at the moment as he is moulting and he is still underweight, but we are feeding him up and giving him lots of love and attention. He is quite a lively and cheeky character, very inquisitive, he tries to jump out of his run all the time and loves his food."

The white lop-eared rabbit was discovered by Inspector Marcus Oldroyd while out jogging in February and he took him to a local RSPCA shelter.

Insp Oldroyd heads up Nottinghamshire Police Force’s Operation Reacher, which is aimed at disrupting and dismantling criminal gangs peddling drugs and crime.

The bunny was named Reacher due to his rescuer’s job.

Insp Oldroyd said: "It's amazing to see Reacher finally in a lovely new home and looking very well.

“When I found him, he was cowering and shivering amongst the bags of rubbish, including a damaged pet carrier and an old mattresses, which had been fly-tipped. The poor little thing must have been terrified, especially as the weather conditions at the time had been unpleasant to say the least.

"He is just the sweetest little rabbit and I can't comprehend why anyone could do such a thing.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "It is of course the goal with any animal that comes through us for them to find a loving, caring home.

"It is fantastic to hear that Reacher has found not only a happy home, but also another rabbit companion as well to socialise with, particularly after the awful circumstances he was discovered in.

"We wish Reacher, Honey and his new family the best of luck and look forward to any further updates."