RSPCA inspectors are appealing for the owner of 12 rabbits abandoned in a Wirral field to get in touch.

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

Another rabbit, an adult male, managed to escape but was found the next day.

The kind member of the public contacted the RSPCA and inspector Leanne Cragg collected the family.

She said: "The rabbits were found loose by a country lane in a field with no cage or box.

"They had scattered and the member of the public kindly rounded them up and brought them to safety.

"The rabbits are all quite healthy, and very nice, friendly rabbits who have clearly had a home very recently.

"It's hard to understand why some people abandon animals in this way and there is no excuse for doing this but it looks like it could potentially have been a breeding accident.

"Possibly, there were too many rabbits for them to cope with or they couldn't rehome them.

"The young ones are about 10-weeks old and all similar sizes so we think they must be from the same litter and were dumped along with mum and dad - the whole family!

"Perhaps whoever dumped them in this rural spot thought they would be okay but these are domestic animals and leaving them in a field leaves them open to predation as well as exposing them to the elements and the very hot weather we have had recently."

Inspector Cragg continued: "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!

"Not only will neutering avoid unwanted surprises but also has many health benefits.

"Rabbits are highly sociable animals but unneutered rabbits are more likely to fight and in females they have a higher risk of womb cancer if they are not spayed."

The family of friendly rabbits is being cared for at RSPCA Altrincham and Cheshire branch where they will stay until they are ready to be rehomed.

If you recognise them or have any information on how the rabbits came to be abandoned on Sunday at around 4pm, call the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

To help the RSPCA continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in desperate need of care please visit www.rspca.org.uk/give