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Couple Gets Suspended Jail for Rabbit Abandonment
24 Apr
Summary
- Couple abandoned approximately 90 rabbits in a wood.
- They received suspended prison sentences and a lifetime ban from owning animals.
- Financial hardship was cited as a reason for the abandonment.
A couple from Birmingham has been handed suspended prison sentences and a lifetime ban from owning animals after abandoning approximately 90 rabbits in Chaddesley Wood, Worcestershire. The rabbits were discovered running loose in November 2024, with 23 found dead. A veterinary examination revealed that many of the deceased animals suffered from wounds consistent with infighting over territory, dominance, mating, or food.
Kevin Lewis, 49, and Michelle Deakin, 51, pleaded guilty to charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They were sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. The court heard that the couple had become overwhelmed while attempting to care for unwanted animals, leading to substantial debt.
RSPCA inspector Boris Lasserre stated that financial difficulties are not a justification for abandoning pets. He highlighted that the RSPCA is experiencing an increase in abandoned rabbits and encourages individuals facing difficulties to seek help through resources like the RSPCA's cost-of-living hub.
