Fears after thieves snatch baby rabbits from Stockton garden

THREE BABY rabbits, just four weeks old, have been snatched from their hutch in a cruel dawn raid by thieves.
It is the second time this summer rabbits have been stolen from the garden of 70-year-old Ann Campbell.
Now, the widow fears for the safety of the vulnerable pets who may not survive away from their mother. She said: "They were taken early last Monday from the hutch they share with their mother, Bobtail, and the four other members of the litter.
"They hadn't been handled yet because of their age - they weren't ready to leave their mother."
One of the bunnies is black and white, and the other two are white with ginger markings.
"We're very vulnerable round here, there have been several occasions when rabbits have been stolen from hutches. Only four months ago someone broke into my hutch and stole the rabbit, so I put a padlock on, but they just ripped the fitting off," said Ann.
Ann started keeping rabbits at her home in Norton Grange, Stockton, two years ago, when she found an escaped one in her garden.
Bobtail was another pet she found on the loose, and when she took her in, she thought she was a he! "I was a little taken aback when I looked into the hutch and saw the bunnies," she said.
The rabbits' anxious mother stopped eating for several days after the little ones were stolen.
The RSPCA condemned the theft. A spokesman said: "The first few weeks of any animal's life is crucial. A baby rabbit should remain with its mother for at least nine weeks to ensure the youngster gets the vital nourishment and care required during this formative stage." Owners should consider getting their pets microchipped, the RSPCA said
Cleveland police are investigating the theft. Call PC Jennifer Longstaff at Stockton on 01642 302226 if you can help.

(Reproduced from Middlesbrough & Teesside Evening Gazette 15th September)

GARDIEN TIP: Far too many thefts of animals are taking place and some basic security provisions need to be considered. Access to the garden must be made difficult and high quality locks such as the Neulock should be used to maximise the security of wooden buildings - see http://www.garden-security.co.uk/Neulock-shed-lock.aspx