Plea after abandoned pets believed killed by foxes

A south-east London farm is warning Londoners not to abandon their pets at the premises, after at least one animal was left in a bag by their gate and was thought to have been killed by foxes.

Surrey Docks Farm in Rotherhithe posted on Instagram that "animals were dumped at the Farm in a travel bag" at about 22:30 BST on Monday.

The post continues: "Sadly within just a few minutes CCTV showed a fox sniffing the bag and then ten minutes later the foxes were back and had knocked the bag over and got inside".

The farm told BBC London "we do not judge the individuals", but said it was not a rehoming centre and pleaded with pet owners to contact a rescue centre or the RSPCA.

The post described staff arriving the next morning "to find the bag with a note saying ‘please help us’, but no animals, just sawdust, food and a carrot inside".

It continues: "We are NOT a rehoming centre but even if we were, please, please, don’t dump animals in unsuitable containers unattended in the night!"

"Every week we get contacted by parents saying something along the lines of ‘our child is no longer interested, would we like a rabbit?'," the post reads.

"Taking on an animal is a big responsibility and we strongly advise against children having pets.

"We do understand that sometimes your situation changes and you suddenly need to rehome which can be very upsetting; in this case please contact a rescue centre first.

"For rabbits or guinea pigs please contact Greenwich Rabbit Rescue or the RSPCA."

It follows several other cases of pets being abandoned in the capital, including a guinea pig, which was left at Canning Town Tube station, and a hamster, which was left on a bus.

Some animal rehoming charities in London also reported being "overwhelmed" with a surge in surrendered pets, including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "It is dreadful to hear that these pets were left on their own in such a vulnerable situation.

“Last winter, abandonment calls to the RSPCA were at a three-year high.

"Abandoning any animal is not acceptable at any time and the RSPCA urges owners to seek out help if they are struggling to care for their pets," they continued.

"We would urge people to consider very carefully the commitment of ownership as rabbits and other small animals are often viewed as easy pets to care for, but in fact require an investment in time and resources over the long term."

The spokesperson added anyone "struggling to look after their pet" could find information and help on its website and phone line.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]