SERIAL ANIMAL ABUSER JAILED FOR STARVING RABBITS IN BRISTOL
Mother-of-two Michelle Hitchens pleaded guilty to two offences following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.She was previously convicted of animal welfare offences relating to rabbits and ducks in 2023 and was banned from keeping all animals, except dogs, for ten years.While it was said that she had given away the remaining rabbits in her care following her original conviction, she later took three of them back before proceeding to starve and neglect them again..On May 7, 2025, RSPCA Inspector Kim Walters attended Hitchens’ home address with police and found three very underweight rabbits in the conservatory.
Inspector Walters described the conditions, noting the strong smell of ammonia, filthy cages with faeces and urine, and no food or water available for the rabbits.
The animals were seized by police and taken for veterinary treatment.
The vet confirmed they had suffered from a lack of food and water, unsuitable accommodations, and the environmental conditions due to the temperature in the conservatory being 25°C.
The rabbits have since been rehomed.Sentencing included 180 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity; a £500 costs order.
Hitchens received a 15-year ban from owning all animals, except dogs, which can be appealed after ten years (expires January 2041).
