An RSPCA inspector has spoken of her despair after a spate of animal abandonments all in Leicestershire in just a few days - including one in the Coalville area.

Two domestic rabbits were found abandoned and running around in the road near Roundhouse Close in Bagworth last month,

They were rescued by a concerned member of the public who kept them overnight - sadly one of the rabbits was pregnant and miscarried her six babies.

The male and female were collected the next day by RSPCA Inspector Herchy Boal and taken to a nearby vet for a check up - both appeared quite young and have now been taken into the care of the RSPCA where they are doing well.

They have been named Vince and Ellie.

Two of the abandonments happened on Saturday, October 22 and another on Wednesday October 26.

All five of the animals who were rescued and are now in safe care. 

A small dog was abandoned in a cat carrier by some bins, while two rabbits and two cats were found dumped in a cat carrier.

Inspector Boal said: "Sadly dealing with abandoned animals is part of the job as an inspector at the RSPCA - but to have so many abandoned animals in such a short period of time makes me despair. 

 "Fortunately for all these animals they were found and are now being kept warm and safe - but they could easily have ended up being injured or killed. 

 "While we understand, sadly circumstances can change for people as a result of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis - there is still never an excuse to abandon an animal. There are always other options for anyone who has fallen on hard times and can no longer afford to keep their pet. 

 "These animals were all scared and frightened by their ordeals and it's just unthinkable that someone could do this to an animal who was once part of a family. 

 "I'm keen to hear from anyone who may know who is responsible for abandoning these animals in such an irresponsible way. " 

 Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or has any information that could assist the RSPCA's investigation should contact the charity's appeal line, confidentially, on 0300 123 8018.