The rabbits were found on Albert Street, Canton, on Friday (31 January) outside in a box near the dustbins – with the RSPCA being notified.

RSPCA animal collection officer Fiona Thomas who responded to the call, attended to find an adult female, adult male and four baby rabbits, who are aged between three to four weeks. They all appeared to be in good health.

She said: “These rabbits are just lovely – it is just a shame they were found abandoned in a box and left to their own devices. The box they were found in was reportedly very wet as it had been raining heavily.

“They’ve not been microchipped so we don’t know who they belong to. It appears they have been abandoned, but we don’t know what has happened here so we are appealing for information.

“We will never truly know why people abandon animals. Our experience tells us that it could be down to a number of reasons, for example when owners are unable to cope, whether that be with an animal’s behaviour, the costs of keeping the pet or other things in their life take over they opt to dump them.

“We just urge people to seek help instead of abandoning their animals.”

Anyone with information is asked to please contact the RSPCA’s cruelty line, in complete confidence, on 0300 1234 999.

Following a check up at the vets, the rabbits are now in the care of RSPCA Newport Animal Centre and have been nicknamed Fennel (adult male), Papaya (adult female), the baby boy rabbit has been named Chilli and the girl baby rabbits have been named Mango, Pepper and Kiwi.

They are currently not available for rehoming while enquiries are ongoing – but please keep an eye on Find A Pet for news about them in the near future.

If you have an animal welfare concern or find an animal in distress please call 0300 1234 999.