2 bunnies sighted at Chestnut Nature Park, likely abandoned pets

At least two rabbits have been sighted at Chestnut Nature Park over the past week.

The bunnies are likely abandoned pets, according to local rabbit rescue group Bunny Wonderland.

"Abandoning pets is cruel — and illegal," the group said in a Jul. 7 Facebook post.

Both have since been secured.

If found guilty of failure in duty of care to their pets (including pet abandonment), an individual may be charged under the Animals and Bird Act.

First-time offenders face a fine of up to S$10,000, a jail term of up to 12 months, or both.

Bunnies found

On Jul. 2, one Trey Phang, shared on Facebook that he saw two Dutch bunnies near the drain at Chestnut Nature Park.

Unfortunately, he was unable to catch them, but reported the incident.

"Hope action can be taken soon," he said.

The next day, an animal lover, Zac Chua, happened upon a rabbit at Chestnut Nature Park.

It had a similar brown-and-white fur pattern as the bunnies in the photo that Phang shared.

"Initially he was quite trusting and thirsty, and he was able to drink out of my hands. But once I tried to hold him, he bolted and ran into the forest," he told Mothership.

He later found the bunny hiding under some shrubbery. After about 15 minutes, he managed to calm it down and secure it.

He then brought it home and posted on Facebook about the rabbit, in hopes of finding its owner.

He also named it Chestnut, presumably after where it was found.

A volunteer from Bunny Wonderland subsequently went down to the site on Jul. 6.

She managed to secure the second, remaining bunny.

The rabbit is now in the care of the House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS). It is safe and will be going for a check-up later in the week.

It will afterwards be put up for adoption.

Meanwhile, Chua intends to keep the first bunny as a family pet, if nobody claims it.

"He's probably the bravest bunny I have ever encountered," he told Mothership.

Alleged pet abandonment

Walter Leong, executive director of the Society for Protection of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Singapore, confirmed with Mothership that a report was lodged to SPCA regarding the alleged pet abandonment.

It has since escalated the case to the National Parks Board's (NParks) Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) for further investigation.

In response to Mothership's queries, Jessica Kwok, group director of enforcement and investigation at NParks, confirmed that they are investigating the matter.

The AVS takes all feedback on alleged animal abandonment seriously, Kwok said.

"We investigate every reported case if there is sufficient information provided, and we will take appropriate enforcement action against anyone who has committed an offence."

Top image from Zac Chua and Trey Phang/Facebook