A man who failed to provide veterinary attention to his rabbits leading to seven of them to be euthanised has been given a three-year ban on owning any animal.
Adil Sheikh, from Edinburgh, pled guilty to failing to provide veterinary attention for his rabbit’s skin conditions, torn ears and mutilated eyes and nose causing discomfort and distress ultimately leading to debilitating conditions.
Another rabbit had facial injuries including both eyelids that were torn and infected, the nose had been mutilated with the nostrils healed over causing breathing to be very difficult.
Due to the extent of the injuries, both rabbits were euthanised and a further five rabbits were euthanised on welfare grounds due to irreversible dental changes which would have caused them considerable pain and suffering.
Many of the injuries suffered suggested that they had occurred months to a year prior, as the skin had healed improperly.
Sheikh was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday 28 February. He was also fined £380.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Chalcroft reported: “On March 27, 2023, we responded to a complaint about rabbit neglect at Adil Sheikh’s address. The complainant had visited with the intention of purchasing rabbits advertised on Gumtree.
“At the property we found a fawn tortoiseshell rabbit sitting on soiled, damp hay, showing clear injuries to its eyes. Another black rabbit, with white around its nose, was nibbling at the fawn tortoiseshell rabbit’s eye.
“Several other rabbits also had visible injuries. The hutch was muddy, and only one water bottle was provided for all the rabbits. There was no fresh hay or food available.
“Sheikh stated that none of the rabbits had seen a veterinary surgeon.
“Under section 32 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, we removed all the rabbits.
“A vet examined them and found various health issues, including infected skin conditions, eye injuries, matted fur, overgrown teeth, and thin body conditions. Torn ears and skin lesions were likely from being attacked by other rabbits.
“One heavily pregnant fawn tortoiseshell female rabbit had severe mutilation to both eyes and was in poor condition. Her injuries indicated significant suffering due to Sheikh’s failure to seek veterinary help. Given her blindness and inability to care for her kits, it was decided to euthanise her for her welfare.
“An entire male fawn tortoiseshell rabbit had trauma affecting both eyelids, which were torn and infected. He also showed signs of respiratory distress. His mutilated nose had healed with very small openings, making it difficult for him to breathe.
“Given the severity of his injuries, it was deemed kinder to euthanise him to prevent further suffering. The nature of his injuries suggested they had occurred months to a year prior, as the skin had healed improperly.
“All examined rabbits were in poor condition, likely malnourished for weeks or longer. Their matted and muddy fur indicated an unsuitable environment over an extended period.
“Sheikh failed to separate male and female rabbits or to neuter them, resulting in interbreeding. This likely occurred over months or years, as at least two generations of rabbits were present. Many of the injuries suffered by the rabbits was also suggestive of them attacking each other as they were not separated or homed appropriately.
“We are disappointed at the sentencing today. These rabbits suffered over a prolonged period with painful injuries and in unsanitary conditions. This should have been a longer ban.”
