THREE baby rabbits who were part of a litter dumped on a doorstep are now thriving and will have new homes, it has emerged.

The three babies – known as kits – are continuing to make good progress at their foster home in Malvern despite six of the six-week-old litter dying.

All three bunnies, named Dot, Duffy and Dusty, have now been reserved by people hoping to provide a permanent home for them.

Volunteers from the RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershir branch had held out little hope for them and thought the whole litter would perish, perhaps as a result of interbreeding.

But Margaret Layland, small animals rehoming co-ordinator, now thinks the six deaths may have been due to the rabbits being left on the doorstep on Stourport Road, Kidderminster, with no water during very hot weather.

The six died in mysterious circumstances as they seemed to be perfectly healthy.

“I’m relieved to say that all three remaining rabbits appear to be really healthy and happy,” she said. “They are all reserved and will soon be going to their new homes.

“One of them was as a direct result of the article, so we are really grateful.

“Perhaps, after all, the shock of being taken from their mum too soon and left without food or water on a hot day was what caused the others to die.”

During July and August the branch received an increase in phone calls reporting abandoned rabbits including a stray rabbit found in Worcester and two albino rabbits spotted loose in Upton.

Mrs Layland said they had wondered if the increase in dumped animals was due to the holiday season, but nobody had contacted the branch wanting to re-home their pets for that reason.

All the rabbits will be vaccinated and neutered before they are re-homed.

Anyone who could provide a home to an animal should call Mrs Layland on 01905 421849.