A RABBIT rescuer has today spoken of her disgust after ten dead and poorly treated bunnies were dumped in a Suffolk forest.Diane Rogerson, of Ipswich, is desperately trying to nurse the surviving animals back to health and has branded the actions as "horrific".

A RABBIT rescuer has today spoken of her disgust after ten dead and poorly treated bunnies were dumped in a Suffolk forest.

Diane Rogerson, of Ipswich, is desperately trying to nurse the surviving animals back to health and has branded the actions as "horrific".

The rabbits were found dumped in Mildenhall Forest. Five were roaming free but five were dead in a plastic carrier bag.

Mrs Rogerson, who runs a rabbit rescue centre from her home in Elmcroft Road, said: "The fact live rabbits were dumped is sadly not that unusual but the fact five were found dead in a carrier bag is horrific.

"I've no idea why someone would do that."

Mrs Rogerson says her centre is close to bursting point.

She is currently caring for 90 sick and homeless rabbits and guinea pigs, when she only has the facilities to look after 60.

She said: "I had a call last Tuesday from the RSPCA to ask if I could take the rabbits into care but by then I was already so overstocked.

"I couldn't turn them away though. The case has to be among the worst I've ever seen.

"The rabbits were dehydrated and hungry, underweight, their fur is in poor condition and two had very overgrown teeth.

"It looks like they have been living together and have bitten the fur off each other and have been fighting. It's very sad.

"The dead ones were the same shade of rabbit as those found in the wild so someone has probably found it hard to sell them on.

"The live ones are all very pretty though.

"They are terrified and not used to being handled but with a bit of time, patience and care they will make a full recovery and fine pets. They are not aggressive, just frightened."

Mrs Rogerson is organising an open day on Sunday, August 7, when most of the animals in her care, including the rabbits, will be ready for adoption.

What do you think of the people who carry out this kind of act?

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