The RSPCA has launched an investigation after 24 dead rabbits were discovered hanging in trees near a school and a children's football club in South Yorkshire. The grim discovery was first made by a passerby near St Joseph's Junior Football Club on April 7, with three more rabbits found four days later. After a brief pause, a further 20 rabbits were found the following week, intentionally shot dead and tossed into the trees near Rawmarsh Community School in the village of Rawmarsh, near Rotherham.
Investigation Details
The RSPCA is working closely with South Yorkshire Police to identify those responsible for the disturbing killings. An RSPCA spokesperson stated: "The RSPCA and police have launched an investigation after the bodies of up to 20 more rabbits were found dead in suspicious circumstances in an area of Rotherham. A further 20 rabbits have now been reported to have been found between April 10 and April 12 in similar circumstances, and the RSPCA is now liaising with South Yorkshire Police over the incident."
Firearms Offenses Possible
Animal Rescue Officer Mark Richardson said: "We now believe the poor rabbits have been shot and the police will be looking into any firearms offences which may have been committed. This has been really distressing for passers-by to come across this awful scene on two separate occasions. We have no idea why so many bodies were thrown in the trees, but we find this behaviour very disturbing."
The lack of CCTV in the affected area has hindered the investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. This incident echoes a similar case in 2024, when a teenager found several dead rabbits dumped in bags in an alleyway near Footscray Meadows in Sidcup, southeast London, not far from St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School. In that case, three wild rabbits were initially found, with another four discovered in a blue plastic bag.
The RSPCA continues to appeal for witnesses and urges the public to report any suspicious activity to the police.
