AN ABANDONED rabbit left on a road in Ashley Heath is looking for a new home.

Sox, so named because of the white patches on his paws, was found discarded with no food or any apparent attempt to ensure his safety by a member of the public last month.

He is being cared for by Elizabeth Ritchley, of Christchurch, who fosters rabbits for Wimborne-based rescue centre Waggy Tails.

The animal lover has become used to helping unwanted pets, but was distressed by the treatment of Sox, who was left behind a parked car.

The woman who found Sox contacted Waggy Tails and Elizabeth said he was lucky to have been found by such a good hearted person.

“To leave him with no shelter and with no water is just awful,” she added. “I can’t comprehend why people do this.

“If you can’t take care of your pet, take it to a rescue centre. Don’t just abandon it on a road like this.”

Elizabeth said Sox is in good condition and was told by a vet that the lionhead is between 12 and 18 months old.

The brown bunny joins 11 other rabbits being cared for by Elizabeth, all aged between six months and seven-years-old, who are also in need of new permanent homes.

Four more are being looked after by another Waggy Tails fosterer as well as 20 guinea pigs.

Elizabeth described how she began caring for rabbits when her children were little and they came across a stray. “They asked me if they could keep it and it just snowballed from there,” she said.

“There is no excuse for abandoning pets. There are animal charities that will help. It only takes a phone call.”

She added that she is eager to find good homes for her beloved rabbits and thinks they would make excellent pets for children.

Anybody wishing to adopt Sox or any other rabbit or guinea pig being fostered by Elizabeth should contact Waggy Tails on 01202 875000.