RSPCA inspectors have launched a fundraising appeal to help care for 12 rabbits abandoned in a Wirral field as the search for their owner continues.

A dog walker spotted the rabbits, an adult female and ten babies in a field off Brimstage Lane in Higher Bebington a week Sunday (August 5) and quickly realised they were domestic rabbits so tried to collect them and bring them to safety.

The two adult females, now named Millie and Maisie, and the ten, 10-week-old babies are being looked after by the RSPCA's Cheshire branch.

Jo Yoli, small animals rehoming co-ordinator said: “They are doing really well. Somebody must have put some time and effort into handling them as all the babies are really well socialised. It just seems strange to spend that time socialising them and then dump them in a field.

“They are now living in three groups of four, with five female babies and five males as well as the two adult females. Just to neuter all 12 bunnies will cost over £1,000.

“They are not the only rabbits we’ve had dumped recently either. There were five rabbits dumped in a field in Altrincham this week but sadly only three of them made it.

“With this many rabbits in our care we have launched a fundraising appeal to help us cover the costs and also to ask animal lovers to give vital donations of hay and toys which will help us to care for them.

“As there are so many babies they need plenty of toys to keep them entertained. They like to chew too so they can go through toys fairly quickly!

“For a balanced, healthy diet rabbits also need to eat a bundle of hay as big as they are each day which means 12 bundles of hay for this family alone every day.

“Once they are old enough we will neuter, vaccinate, and microchip them ready for rehoming, which all in all is estimated to cost a whopping £1,000.

“That is why we are asking kind supporters to donate to the branch, or add some items to their basket from our Amazon Wishlist.”

To donate text ALTR13 £2/ £5/ £10 to 70070. For example, ALTR13 £5 for a £5 donation.

The search for the rabbits' owner continues.

Anyone with information on how the rabbits came to be abandoned can call the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Insp Leanne Cragg, who collected the rabbits, has reminded owners of the importance of neutering to ensure there are no unwanted or surprise litters.

She said: "Owners should make sure they know the sex of their bunnies when they get them and if unsure, always check with your vet.

"You must also ensure they are neutered - otherwise you’ll end up with a lot of rabbits, very quickly!"

To rehome any of the rabbits in RSPCA care, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet