A fragile existence

Image: © Neil Owen Taken: 19 Aug 2022

Whilst walking down the West Camel Road - a single carriageway road, typical of the countryside and without any pavement - a rabbit came casually into view. It seemed utterly unaware of any other presence and was calmly sniffing around the hedgelines. With such brazen daylight appearance, the rabbit did not make any effort to hide or keep at a distance at all. As it wandered across the road, it became clear that it had badly infected eyes, which were swollen and crusted. It was patently blind. With such a condition it was also obvious that it did not realise where it was or that it was in grave danger of traffic. It was not constant but cars and waggons from the local quarries and roadworks rumbled past with concerning frequency. After crossing at leisure, the poor creature simply laid out in relaxed fashion right at the verge. Several vehicles, including an H.G.V., blasted past within inches. The rabbit remained there without flinching - for the time at least.

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