RSPCA WA is reminding people that it’s not only cruel but also illegal to dump their pets after a rabbit with a severe eye injury was left in a box by a rarely used door at the organisation’s administration office.

The white and black rabbit, now named Julian, was discovered, cold and frightened, taped inside a small box with a few holes poked in it by an RSPCA WA staff member on Thursday morning.

The box had been placed next to some donation items which had been left by a back entrance door to the building and may have been there for more than 12 hours.

Inspector Manager Kylie Green said there was never a good excuse to dump a pet.

“Julian was left in these cold weather conditions for several hours, suffering from an eye injury that would have been causing him pain, and stuck in a box not much bigger than he is,” she said.

“This was a cruel act and one that you can be charged for under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

“We understand life can throw people curveballs and that situations change which may mean you feel you have no choice but to surrender a pet. “However, there is no need to subject an animal to needless suffering by dumping them.

“Please, if you ever need to surrender a pet, head to our website - we offer a judgement-free service for pet surrender.”

Julian is currently undergoing vet care at RSPCA WA.

The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect.

Report cruelty 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at their website.