Cracker is now being cared for by the DSPCA animal shelter
A woman saved Cracker from the canal after he was thrown in by a gang of youths
A brave woman was pushed into the Grand Canal after she confronted a gang of youths attempting to drown a pet rabbit in Dublin’s Dolphin’s Barn area.
Inspectors from the DSPCA went to the woman’s home after she rescued the adult rabbit, now named Cracker, and they are now caring for the animal.
The DSPCA said the lady was walking along the canal around Dolphin’s Barn on Wednesday last week when she saw “a group of youths about to throw a white rabbit into the canal”.
“She pleaded with them to stop and that she would take the rabbit from them. They threw him in anyway, and when the lady tried to rescue the rabbit from drowning, they pushed her into the canal too,” they said.
“This very brave lady rescued the rabbit and carried him, both of them soaking wet, to the nearest garda station to report the incident. This alleged cruel act has really hit a new low for us.
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“How anyone could have absolutely no compassion for the life of a human being or an innocent animal. We are incredibly grateful to this lady who risked her life to save the life of a helpless animal.
“Cracker is doing well after his ordeal and is in the care of Caroline in our Small Animals & Exotic House. He has put on weight over the last week and will be ready for adoption once he has been neutered,” they added.
The rabbit is being monitored by the small animals and exotics manager, Caroline Mothersill.
“I’d say he was a pet beforehand, but we’re not sure whether it was stolen or found. I doubt it was bought as he is a big adult rabbit,” she said.
“I would say it’s likely that the rabbit was found after being abandoned, as there are so many rabbits who have been abandoned.
“He is doing great and is really sweet. He was a bit underweight when he came in, but he’s putting on weight, and he’s snoozing and feeling safe here.
“Once he puts on weight, he’ll be neutered and put up for adoption,” she added.
An Garda Síochána have been contacted for comment.
