The rescued bunnies from Chaddesley Corbett are recovering, with many ready for adoption and some new arrivals bringing hope
Chaddesley Corbett: Back in November 2024, around 100 bunnies were found abandoned in the woods. The RSPCA stepped in and managed to rescue 80 of them, but sadly, 23 didn’t make it.
A rabbit sanctuary called Lucky Bunny and Friends Rescue in Dudley took in 56 of these bunnies. They were in pretty rough shape when they arrived.
After sharing their story online, the local effort turned into a nationwide appeal. Animal rescues and volunteers from places like Eastbourne and Berkshire joined in to help.
In total, nine rescues, including some from the West Midlands, have been caring for these bunnies and helping them recover.
Just two weeks after the rescue, the RSPCA had to issue a health warning. It turned out the bunnies had a contagious disease called Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD).
Unfortunately, some bunnies have passed away due to complications or illness. But there’s also good news! One bunny named Blessing gave birth to four healthy babies.
These little ones are doing great and are up for adoption. Nicky Roberts, a spokesperson for the rescues, mentioned how heartwarming it is to see the public’s continued interest in the Chaddesley rabbits.
Many of the bunnies are now at different stages of recovery, with quite a few ready to find new homes.
Sadly, a few of the original 56 didn’t make it due to their conditions. Nicky expressed gratitude to all the rescues involved for their hard work.
Karen Dandridge from Hug a Bunny Hotel in Camberley is fostering Blessing and her babies, along with two other bunnies. They did lose three bunnies after rescue, which is heartbreaking.
Caroline Greenhill from Eastbourne Rabbit Sanctuary shared that two bunnies are up for adoption, while another will stay at the sanctuary for life.
Berkshire Rabbit Rescue is nursing two bunnies back to health, one with half an ear and another with a torn nose, and they’re doing well.
Greatfield Small Animal Rescue in Kidderminster has four bunnies ready for adoption, while two others with serious dental issues will be ready later this year.
Bunnies and Piggies in Need Rescue in the West Midlands are still caring for nine rabbits in quarantine due to the RHDV warning.
Hannah’s Guinea Pig Sanctuary confirmed that five of their bunnies passed away, but two elderly ones will live out their days there, and two more will be available for adoption in February.
In Hertfordshire, Rabbit Rescue Residence has five rabbits ready for adoption soon, and Shrewsbury Rabbit Rescue has one bunny reserved and another, who’s earless, ready for a new home.
Shrewsbury Rabbit Rescue also reported one rabbit passing away, while another has settled in for life at the sanctuary.
Finally, Lucky Bunnies and Friends Rescue in Dudley said the ten bunnies in their care will be ready for adoption in January or February, some as pairs after bonding.
The RSPCA is still investigating the incident, but there are no new updates yet.
