NEGLIGENT pet owners in Dorset have been slammed for their appalling treatment of rabbits.

A shocking survey by the RSPCA has revealed nearly nine out of 10 have no company, three quarters have no food available and a shocking 69 per cent have no clean water.

And one Bournemouth case study revealed an abandoned rabbit was left in a cardboard box with no water for hours in the summer heat outside the RSPCA clinic in Richmond Park Road.

"If he had been left in that box until the next day he would have died from the heat and lack of water," said RSPCA animal collection officer Nicky Anthony.

The case is one of a number of shocking examples across the south west.

Five rabbits were beaten to death in Chard in Somerset, in Bristol a bunny was attacked by a family's pet dog, an unwanted rabbit was dumped in a garden in Bristol and rabbits were starved to death by their owners in Plymouth and Newton Abbott.

The RSPCA has urged parents to be more responsible when buying pets for their children and to ensure rabbits are kept in adequate conditions.

"Sadly, many rabbits are kept in unsuitable back yard hutches out of sight where they all too easily become forgotten pets," said John Tresidder of the RSPCA.

"As a result they lead a miserable life on their own at the bottom of the garden after the novelty of keeping them wears off."

In a bid to improve quality of life for the region's bunnies, the RSPCA has produced a leaflet called A Life Worth Rabbiting About which is available from RSPCA branches and animal centres.

It is also urging responsible members of the public to adopt rabbits from the society.

"By taking on a rescue bunny, not only are you giving an unwanted animal a new life, you will also get animals that have been properly sexed and neutered and matched with a suitable home," added Mr Tresidder.

Anyone interested is urged to call the RSPCA at Ashley Heath on 01425 473896 or Bournemouth on 01202 526520.

First published: August 17, 2005