Tiny black rabbit saved by member of public after owner threatened to throw him in bin

A tiny black rabbit was saved by a member of the public after its owner threatened to throw him in the bin.

Toaty was taken into the Scottish SPCA’s Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre last month, aged between seven and ten days old and weighing a mere 90 grams.

Frightened from his ordeal, the rabbit was too young to eat for himself when he initially came into care.

Hayley McFarlane, assistant manager at the Glasgow centre, took Toaty under her wing and has been hand-rearing him, starting with feeds three to four times a day, which were gradually reduced as he started eating for himself.

He will soon be fully weaned off, with Toaty now preparing to find his forever home.

Toaty had to be hand-fed Scottish SPCA via Supplied

Hayley said: “Toaty is doing very well considering his tough start in life – he’s a very happy and relaxed little guy.

“Hand-rearing is usually a last resort as it can be very difficult to successfully do. It can also be time-consuming and requires a lot of patience to get them through that first start in life. If they have a mum, they should stay with her unless advised otherwise by a vet – but in Toaty’s case, I have taken on the role of mum!

“Toaty has put on a lot of weight in my care and I’m delighted that he will soon be ready to find a loving new home.”

It comes amid Rabbit Awareness Week, with the Scottish SPCA urging those looking to adopt a rabbit to consider the responsibility and cost associated with owning one.

Hayley added: “Rabbits have very specific needs and they require a large amount of space, specialist care and companionship from their own kind as they are very social animals who thrive in a bonded pair.

“We encourage you to support the many rabbits already in our care who are waiting to find their forever home and adopt a rabbit where you can rather than buy.”