An emaciated rabbit was found, 'starving to death', dumped in a taped-up cardboard box in Swanley.

The RSPCA is appealing for information from anybody who knows anything about the rabbit, now named Alan, who was found in an alleyway behind Lullingstone Avenue in Swanley on December 12.

The brown and white floppy-eared male was found with a huge abscess on the side of his face.

He had overgrown teeth which had gone untreated and so caused an infection.

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Alan was taken straight to the vet where he was put on a drip, given antibiotics and operated on to remove the abscess.

It is now hoped he will make a full recovery and eventually be rehomed.

RSPCA inspector Ellen Thomas said: “Poor Alan was in a really bad way, I don’t think I have ever seen a rabbit in such a state.

“The infection caused by the teeth had crept up to his tear ducts which meant he could not even open his eyes, and there was a huge abscess on the side of his face.

“This meant he was unable to eat and he was incredibly emaciated. He was slowly starving to death. It was freezing that night as well and he would have been so cold.

“I really didn’t think he would survive at first but he has come on leaps and hops. I am so pleased.

“I am fostering him for the moment and will care for him over Christmas and I hope will then be able to be rehomed in the new year.

“Who knows why anyone thought it was acceptable to leave an animal alone in that state to fend for himself. He was basically dumped in a box in an alleyway to die.

“It may be they just didn’t want him anymore because he was clearly unwell. Poor thing.”

Anyone with any information about Alan should call us on 0300 123 8018.

For more information about caring for rabbits please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/diet