Man rescues five rabbits dumped at the Hardy Monument

Joe Summers, 32, who lives in Poundbury, said he found the pet rabbits, on a dog walk to the Hardy Monument near Portesham with a friend earlier this month at around 5pm in the evening.

He said he came across 'two massive white lumps' in the picnic area - one of which was hiding under a bench - and then saw three more of the pets.

Mr Summers said: “We did our usual laps, and when we got to the car Ronnie, my mate’s dog, just seemed to dart off like he was on edge in hunting mode.

The rabbits were found at Hardy's Monument (Image: Joe Summers) “We looked over and saw two massive white lumps which turned out to be these white rabbits.

“I didn’t think they were wild as they were too clean and I thought, this doesn’t look right.

“One was under the picnic bench and looked as though it had a poorly paw, and was cold and shaking.

“I couldn’t get all five in one go, but I got two of them, before I rang my partner to get more supplies.

Thomas the rabbit, who was left at Hardy's Monument (Image: RSPCA's Taylor's Rehoming Centre) “When I went back to get the other three, it was around 7.30pm and pitch black - there were three other people at the monument at the time, who then helped with a short search.

“I picked up two of them but there was one left deep in the brambles, and we called this one Eeyore because it looked a bit like a donkey- don’t ask me why, but he was the hardest to catch - he didn’t want any of it - but in the end, he was the most grateful to be caught.”

Joe Summers, with one of the rabbits found at Hardy's Monument (Image: Joe Summers) Mr Summers gave two of the bunnies, now named Eeyore and Zeus, to his seven-year-old son Tyler.

The other three bunnies all with Thomas Hardy-themed names - Thomas, Hardy and Bathsheba - were then handed to Taylor’s RSPCA rehoming centre at Kingston Maurward near Dorchester.

This wasn't the first time Mr Summers has come across dumped pets at the beauty spot, having previously found a dumped cat at the Hardy Monument.

The rehoming centre's Hannah Burt, who has been caring for the rabbits since, said they are all doing well now.

Bathsheba has been paired with Bubbles since being rescued (Image: RSPCA's Taylor's Rehoming Centre) She said: “Once she had healed from her spay we bonded Bathsheba with another neutered male rabbit we had, called Bubble. Thomas and Hardy are also doing well- they were split after fighting, but they are so friendly, sweet, curious and pretty brave considering their background- they seem really used to people.

Hardy the rabbit, who was left at Hardy's Monument (Image: RSPCA's Taylor's Rehoming Centre) “They were all in good condition and none were super skinny, meaning they were dumped not long before Joe found them, which was lucky.

“We have split the two boys up and one of the boys, who has now been neutered, has been paired with a female neutered rabbit.”

In 2023, the centre rescued 43 rabbits, up from 34, and centre manager Tessa Every previously said that more people are dumping their pets, as the cost of living crisis takes its toll. 

She said: “We're definitely seeing the impact of the cost of living. A lot of people are getting by and then one big, maybe unexpected, expense comes through and that has a massive impact and sets them back.”

People looking to give Thomas, Hardy, or Bathsheba a forever home, can either phone the centre on 01305 259672 or fill out a form on its website.