A “cruel” criminal dumped a pet rabbit in a ditch in a plastic bag.
The abandoned animal was discovered by a dog walker in the Mintlaw area of Aberdeenshire on Tuesday.
There is an identification ring on the pet rabbit, nicknamed Bernie, but it is illegible and so the owners cannot be traced.
Bernie is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA and staff at the Drumoak centre are appealing for help to track down its owners.
Councillor Jim Ingram, who kept rabbits as a pet when he was a child, was shocked when he heard of the creature’s plight.
He said: “I think it’s wicked.
“I’ve a great respect for life in all forms and if someone wants to dispose of a pet they can’t look after then I’m sure there are many avenues that could be explored instead of throwing it in a plastic bag.
“How very cruel.
“The Scottish SPCA is a great organisation and he’s in their care now so I’m sure they will take care of him and find him a good new home if it comes to that.
“I kept rabbits myself when I was a youngster and I can’t understand why anyone would dispose of it like this – they could have given it to someone else.
“I really cannot sympathise with someone who could do something despicable like this.”
Abandoning an animal is a criminal offence in Scotland and if the person responsible is caught they will face court.
Local councillor Anne Simpson said: “It’s very fortunate that someone found it before it had gone too far without food and drink.
“It’s such a shame someone thought they had to dump an animal and hopefully the Scottish SCPA can find it a new loving home.”
Manager of the Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Aberdeen, Graeme Innes, said the furry little creature was very lucky that a member of the public came across it.
He said: “The Mini Lop type rabbit was found in a plastic bag, in a ditch so could have easily been missed.
“He has been named Bernie by the staff and was discovered to have an identification ring but part of the code is illegible so we are unable to trace this.
“If anyone in the area recognises the rabbits, or has any information, we would urge them to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
