A big-hearted neighbour turned big game hunter to help the ISPCA trap two escaped rabbits.
The animal welfare group had received numerous calls about two wandering rabbits in the Woods Estate near Buncrana.
The rabbits had been sighted by a number of people over a couple of weeks however, the escapees were very nervous making it near impossible to catch them.
A kind-hearted lady who was concerned about them, set to work coaxing them into her garden.
But despite numerous attempts, the woman just couldn’t catch the runaway rabbits.
However after a number of days and coming up with a clever plan, the woman landed her catch.
The woman used a laundry basket propped up with a large stick and some carrots as bait.
As soon as the rabbits went to eat the carrots, she pulled the stick by way of a long piece of string from her home and trapped the runaways.
ISPCA Centre Manager, Denise McCausland, described the trap as “ingenious.”
“It was ingenious and she was so patient. She went to so much effort in trapping the rabbits,” she said.
Denise is appealing for information to track down the owner of the runaways.
She said “We are appealing for information to help trace an owner for these little guys who may have escaped. One of the male rabbits has a deformity in his right eye and it is unclear if he has any vision and whether it is a result of a previous or recent injury.
“Both rabbits appear to be in reasonably good health, just a little tired and hungry. The male rabbit appears to be neutered and they are both currently being veterinary assessed.”
Denise said the centre wanted to say a huge thanks to the animal-loving public for reporting the sightings and for the numerous efforts to capture them.
She added omestic rabbits would struggle to fend for themselves in the wild and were in serious danger from predators, placing them in a very vulnerable position.
“We currently have no rabbit hutch or enclosure at the centre and we hope someone might like to donate one, used or new, so we have a dedicated space to help more rescued rabbits”.
Anybody with information about the rabbits is asked to contact the ISPCA National Animal Helpline in confidence on 1890 515 515 or report online here https://www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint
The ISPCA is also looking for volunteers who can help out. By dedicating your time, skills and expertise to the ISPCA, you can make an immense difference in your community.
Volunteers who help walk, feed and look after the animals in ISPCA care are helping our fight to end animal cruelty. ISPCA volunteers also meet and work with like-minded animal lovers, and gain valuable experience working in an animal welfare environment. The ISPCA has a number of volunteer roles available to work hands-on with the animals in our cattery, kennels and stables. We are also looking for grounds keeping and maintenance volunteers, and people to help out at various events, or to do some fundraising! To become an ISPCA volunteer, you must be over 16 years of age. For more information, visit https://www.ispca.ie/volunteer/ and to arrange a visit to the ISPCA Donegal Rehabilitation Centre, please email donegal@ispca.ie or call us on 074 91 52360.
Background on the ISPCA in Donegal
The ISPCA Donegal Animal Rehabilitation Centre is located at Barrack, Ballyare, Ramelton, Letterkenny and is the first animal rehabilitation centre of its kind in Donegal and has already helped so many animals since it opened in June 2018. The majority of the animals rescued were victims of neglect and abuse and many others were injured and in need of veterinary care. Once they are brought into the centre they are cared for, rehabilitated and then responsibly rehomed.
We are currently receiving a lot of calls about cats and kittens and our cattery is full to capacity. We are treating a lot of sick and unwanted kittens which could have been prevented if owners had neutered or spayed their cats. In most cases, spaying and neutering has overwhelmingly positive health benefits and it also prevents accidental litters of kittens or puppies which can also be challenging in finding good homes.
Pet owners need to play their part by spaying and neutering their pets and this will massively help in preventing unwanted litters in the first place. We are asking to public to ask their vets for advice and do the right thing for their pets.
The Donegal Animal Rehabilitation Centre is going from strength to strength and this has only been made possible with the kind help of our local supporters who have made donations, fostered an animal or volunteered their time.
It costs over €100,000 annually to run the centre, including two full time members of staff who care for and rehabilitate the animals in our care. These costs don’t include the local ISPCA Inspector. Donations, no matter how big or small, are really appreciated so we can continue our work – donations can be made online https://www.ispca.ie/donate/
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