PAUL COMER'S CRUELTY IN DEREHAM: RABBIT'S SUFFERING LEADS TO EUTHANASIA

Paul Comer, a resident of Dereham, was found guilty in 2023 of neglecting his pet rabbit, Bugsy, to the point where the animal had to be euthanised due to severe health issues caused by neglect. Comer, born around 1967 and living at 5 St Hilda Close, Dereham NR19 2EH, admitted to allowing his rabbit to suffer without proper veterinary care or adequate living conditions.

Bugsy, a male lop-eared rabbit, was kept in a two-tier hutch, but the conditions were grossly inadequate. The rabbit was confined solely to the bottom level of the enclosure, which was filthy, layered with excrement, and lacked basic bedding. There was no hay, fresh grass, or other suitable food available to meet his dietary needs. The neglect was evident, and the rabbit's suffering was severe.

A veterinary examination revealed the extent of Bugsy’s pain and discomfort. The vet's report stated that the rabbit was suffering greatly, and this pain could have been alleviated with proper treatment and attention. The report also highlighted the poor husbandry practices, including an inadequate diet lacking dietary fibre, insufficient space to move freely, and the absence of companionship, which is essential for social animals like rabbits. The rabbit was kept in complete solitude, which is considered inappropriate for his species.

Due to his deteriorating condition, the vet made the difficult decision to euthanise Bugsy. The animal was suffering from a severe eye infection, with the right eye covered in a thick, yellowish discharge that emitted a foul smell. When cleaned, the eye was swollen, pink, and extremely sore. The rabbit's fur was matted all over his back, and beneath the fur, there was a large area of matted faeces covering his lower body and abdomen. His ears were firm and tender, and he exhibited difficulty walking, dragging his back legs and slipping when attempting to move.

RSPCA Inspector Emily Astillberry, who investigated the case, described the scene as one of the worst neglect cases she had encountered in her 18 years of service. She noted that Bugsy’s head was tilted to the right, with his right ear touching the table, and his left ear was slightly elevated. The inspector observed the animal's poor health, including the infected eye, matted fur, and inability to walk properly, all signs of severe neglect and suffering. She emphasized that the rabbit had been left in these deplorable conditions, forgotten and suffering in silence.

During court proceedings, Comer claimed he was reluctantly left with the rabbit and had attempted to treat the eye infection himself, which he believed had temporarily improved. He also described Bugsy as an unwanted responsibility he had acquired and kept out of sight. Despite these claims, the court found him guilty of causing unnecessary suffering.

As part of his sentence, Comer was fined £916, ordered to pay £300 in costs, and a victim surcharge. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping small caged animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other similar pets, for five years, a ban that will last until March 2028. This case highlights the importance of proper animal husbandry and the severe consequences of neglecting vulnerable creatures in our care.