Seven rabbits with 'torn ears and mutilated eyes' euthanised after man neglected pets in Edinburgh

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A man who neglected 17 rabbits with injuries such as “torn ears and mutilated eyes” has been fined and given a three year ban on owning animals in Edinburgh.

Adil Sheikh, from Edinburgh, pled guilty to failing to provide veterinary attention for one rabbit’s skin conditions, torn ears and mutilated eyes and nose, which caused discomfort and distress and ultimately left them in debilitating pain.

Scottish SPCA responded to a complaint about rabbit neglect at Sheikh’s address on March 27, 2023.

The person who complained had visited the property with the intention of purchasing rabbits advertised on Gumtree.

At the property officers found a fawn tortoiseshell rabbit sitting on soiled, damp hay, showing clear injuries to its eyes.

They also found a black rabbit that was nibbling at the fawn tortoiseshell rabbit’s eye.

Adil Sheikh, from Edinburgh, pled guilty to failing to provide veterinary attention for his rabbit. SSPCA

“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,” Scottish SPCA inspector Chalcroft reported.

Sheikh told officers that none of the rabbits had seen a veterinary surgeon, and the rabbits were removed from the property.

The rabbits were examined by a vet who found various health issues including infected skin conditions, eye injuries, torn ears, skin lesions, matted fur, overgrown teeth, and thin body conditions.

Seven of the rabbits in Sheikh’s care had to be put down, five of which were euthanised on welfare grounds due to irreversible dental changes which would have caused them considerable pain.

One of the rabbits, a heavily pregnant fawn tortoiseshell female rabbit, had severe mutilation to both eyes and had to be put down.

“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,” inspector Chalcroft said.

A male fawn tortoiseshell rabbit, with torn and infected eyelids, was also euthanised.

“He also showed signs of respiratory distress. His mutilated nose had healed with very small openings, making it difficult for him to breathe,” The SSPCA said.

The charity added that the nature of the rabbits injuries suggested they had occurred months to a year prior, as the skin had healed improperly.

Inspector Chalcroft said all the examined rabbits were in poor condition and had likely malnourished for weeks or longer.

He added that Sheikh failed to separate male and female rabbits or to neuter them, resulting in interbreeding which had likely occured 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,” inspector Chalcroft added.

Sheikh was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, February 28. He was given a three year ban on owning animals and also fined £380.

SSPCA said it was “disappointed” by the sentencing, saying the ban should have been longer given the prolonged suffering the rabbits endured with painful injuries and in unsanitary conditions.