THE RSPCA is searching for the owners of three rabbits who were rescued after being spotted running free in a Minshull Vernon field.

Animal collection officer (ACO) Lauren Bradshaw was called to the field on Friday, January 6, after a member of the public spotted four rabbits in a farmer’s field.

Despite rescuing the newly-nicknamed Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail, who are all male and around six months old, the fourth and final rabbit unfortunately could not be found.

ACO Bradshaw said: “The lady who called us was really worried about four bunnies she’d seen straying and didn’t want them to get hurt by traffic or by any other animals.

“I managed to catch three rabbits but couldn’t see the fourth one. The trio were taken to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for a check-up and I went back to try to find the final rabbit but, unfortunately, had no luck.

“I’ve stayed in touch with the locals but they’ve not seen the final rabbit since so, sadly, it’s not clear what’s happened to him. However, if anyone does spot a domestic rabbit loose in the area, we’d urge them to give us a call on 0300 1234 999.

“The bunnies all had overgrown claws and matted coats but, other than that, were in fairly good condition,” ACO Bradshaw added.

“One has sore eyes and another had a metal ID ring on his leg so we suspect they were once owned and have either escaped or been abandoned.

“I’d like to hear from anyone who recognises the rabbits and think they may belong to them to get in touch by calling our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

The grey-coloured lionhead rabbit, white lionhead, and white lionhead crossbreed – named after the mischievous rabbits in the Beatrix Potter book – are receiving treatment at the RSPCA hospital before being moved to a local centre or branch for rehoming.