PEOPLE are being urged not to search for abandoned rabbits dumped in woodland whilst a group using specialist technology continues the work.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has said that The Badger Trust West Midlands continue searching for the lost bunnies in Chaddesley Woods using thermal imaging cameras.

The RSPCA previously launched an investigation after more than eighty rabbits were found cruelly dumped in the woods earlier this month.

Kind-hearted residents began trying to save the rabbits along with animal rescue volunteers and the RSPCA following the discovery.

Sadly, the bodies of 23 dead rabbits were recovered while 56 were taken to Lucky Bunny and Friends Rescue, based in Dudley.

In an update, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust said: "10 days ago dozens of rabbits were dumped in our Chaddesley Woods nature reserve.

"Since then we have been working closely with police, RSPCA and several charities to ensure that the rabbits were rescued with minimal disturbance to the wood and its wildlife.

"We would like to thank the various organisations, animal rescues and individuals who have helped with the efforts since this terrible situation occurred.

"We have since asked one local organisation, The Badger Trust West Midlands, to continue to the search using their technology like thermal imaging cameras and to co-ordinate efforts their search efforts with the Trust.

"The Trust want to make sure that the abandoned rabbits are rescued and rehomed.

"Thank you to Badger Trust West Midlands and Worcestershire for taking on this role. Can we please ask everyone else to refrain from searching for the rabbits and allow the Badger Trust to carry out this important work".