News Reader.info

WARNING - DISTRESSING IMAGES. DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE INJURIES, RABBITS WERE EUTHANISED. 13:43, 01 Mar 2025 A sick Scots man who left his mutilated rabbits without food or vet care which

led seven of them to die has been given a three-year ban on owning any animal. Adil Sheikh, from Edinburgh, pled guilty to failing to provide veterinary attention for his rabbit’s skin

conditions, torn ears and mutilated eyes and nose causing discomfort and distress ultimately leading to debilitating conditions. Another rabbit had facial injuries including both eyelids

that were torn and infected, the nose had been mutilated with the nostrils healed over causing breathing to be very difficult. Due to the extent of the injuries, both animals were euthanised

and a further five rabbits were euthanised on welfare grounds due to irreversible dental changes which would have caused them considerable pain and suffering. Many of the injuries suffered

suggested that they had occurred months to a year prior, as the skin had healed improperly. Sheikh was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday 28 February. He was also fined £380.

Article continues below Scottish SPCA Inspector Chalcroft reported: “On March 27, 2023, we responded to a complaint about rabbit neglect at Adil Sheikh’s address. The complainant had visited

with the intention of purchasing rabbits advertised on Gumtree. “At the property we found a fawn tortoiseshell rabbit sitting on soiled, damp hay, showing clear injuries to its eyes.

Another black rabbit, with white around its nose, was nibbling at the fawn tortoiseshell rabbit’s eye. “Several other rabbits also had visible injuries. The hutch was muddy, and only one

water bottle was provided for all the rabbits. There was no fresh hay or food available.~ “Sheikh stated that none of the rabbits had seen a veterinary surgeon. Under section 32 of the

Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, we removed all the rabbits." “A vet examined them and found various health issues, including infected skin conditions, eye injuries, matted

fur, overgrown teeth, and thin body conditions. Torn ears and skin lesions were likely from being attacked by other rabbits. “One heavily pregnant fawn tortoiseshell female rabbit had severe

mutilation to both eyes and was in poor condition. Her injuries indicated significant suffering due to Sheikh’s failure to seek veterinary help. Given her blindness and inability to care

for her kits, it was decided to euthanise her for her welfare. “An entire male fawn tortoiseshell rabbit had trauma affecting both eyelids, which were torn and infected. He also showed signs

of respiratory distress. His mutilated nose had healed with very small openings, making it difficult for him to breathe." They continued: “Given the severity of his injuries, it was

deemed kinder to euthanise him to prevent further suffering. The nature of his injuries suggested they had occurred months to a year prior, as the skin had healed improperly. “All examined

rabbits were in poor condition, likely malnourished for weeks or longer. Their matted and muddy fur indicated an unsuitable environment over an extended period. “Sheikh failed to separate

male and female rabbits or to neuter them, resulting in interbreeding. This likely occurred over months or years, as at least two generations of rabbits were present. Many of the injuries

suffered by the rabbits was also suggestive of them attacking each other as they were not separated or homed appropriately. Article continues below “We are disappointed at the sentencing

today. These rabbits suffered over a prolonged period with painful injuries and in unsanitary conditions. This should have been a longer ban.” JOIN THE DAILY RECORD WHATSAPP COMMUNITY! Get

the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No

one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is CLICK HERE IF YOU'RE ON MOBILE, select 'Join

Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to

special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of

your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.