Missouri Rescue Finds 4 ‘Extremely Thin’ Bunnies Abandoned in a Box Near the Trash with a ‘Sorry’ Note

In a disturbing incident in St. Charles, Missouri, four young rabbits have been abandoned outside a local animal rescue centre, prompting urgency from the staff there. The rabbits, affectionately named “The Disneys,” were discovered in a cardboard box placed beside the organisation’s waste bins, accompanied by a note that simply stated, “Sorry. Take Care!”

The incident occurred on 19th October when an off-duty employee of Dolly’s Dream Home Rabbit Rescue happened to stop by the facility to dispose of rubbish. What she found inside the box was shocking—four bunnies, estimated to be around five months old, were crammed together inside, displaying signs of neglect and illness.

Upon examination, the rescue’s team found that the rabbits were not only severely underweight but also suffering from dehydration and ear mites. The rescue’s social media update noted that the bunnies underwent initial tests to assess their health, which revealed the urgent need for medical attention.

The rescue expressed frustration over the circumstances of the abandonment, highlighting the severe inadequacies in the approach taken by whomever left the rabbits. The organisation pointed out that merely leaving animals by a dumpster without notifying the rescue or completing any formal surrender requests was both irresponsible and dangerous. They questioned what might have happened had the worker not stopped by at that moment, emphasising the precarious situation the rabbits were left in.

“This is not a plea for help; it’s a gamble with their lives,” the rescue stated, underlining their concern over the wellbeing of the bunnies. “How would anyone have known they were there?” The message was clear: the actions of those responsible for the abandonment failed to consider the rabbits’ welfare and safety.

In terms of care, the rescue has estimated that the financial burden required to rehabilitate the animals will exceed £1,100. This includes not only basic medical treatment for parasites but also food and the necessary spaying and neutering surgeries. Given the unexpected nature of this case, the rescue had not anticipated such expenses.

Despite the distressing situation, Dolly’s Dream Home has committed to providing comprehensive care for the abandoned bunnies. “We weren’t prepared for these rabbits,” the organisation acknowledged on social media. “However, they are here now, and we are dedicated to ensuring they receive the help they require.”

The rabbits have all been given whimsical names reflecting a theme from a beloved brand: Epcot, Dole Whip, Figment, and Magic Kingdom. In light of the significant medical needs of these animals, Dolly’s Dream Home Rabbit Rescue is reaching out to the community for support, seeking donations to aid in covering the costs involved in their recovery and future care. As the rescue aptly remarked, “Someone left us 4 sick rabbits and a note that said, ‘Take Care!’ We intend to do exactly that.”

With their mission in mind, Dolly’s is hopeful that they can rally community support to assist in bringing The Disneys back to health and eventually find them loving homes. In doing so, the rescue reiterates the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for individuals to seek help when they can no longer care for their animals, rather than resorting to abandonment.