Whether a domestic rabbit that has shown up in your yard or you’ve spotted one out and about in the community, there are a few important things you can do to help them.
- Attempt to contain the rabbit if it is safe to do so, being mindful of traffic and other hazards
- Provide access to water and food such as oaten hay or fresh grass to keep its digestive system moving and to prevent it from developing GI stasis
- Door knock in the area to see if the rabbit’s owner can be located - rabbits are natural escape artists and this is often the case. Doing a letterbox drop in the area it was found can also be effective. In some circumstances, rabbits have been dumped.
- Post on social media via Lost pet pages
- Take the rabbit to your local vet to check for a microchip - while most rabbits will not have a microchip some still do and this can assist with getting them home
If there is not a microchip and you are unable to locate an owner, please:
- Keep the rabbit safely indoors and continue to try to find their owner
- Leave them in the care of your local vet if they have capacity to take them on
- Contact the AWL/RSPCA/The Binky Collective for assistance
Always ensure that the owners coming forward are legitimate:
Unfortunately, there are many people with ulterior motives who will take lost rabbits for their own use such as making pet food, backyard breeding or baiting.
Always ask for photo evidence and proof of ownership - Request multiple photos rather than one, specific details about the rabbit - particular markings or features about them, name, age, the vet clinic they attend, how long they have owned them and what suburb they live in etc.
If you are unsure if someone is truly the rabbit’s owner, please contact The Binky Collective vis Messenger for advice about the person’s authenticity as our team has experience with screening processes.
