Baby hare survives thanks to farmer’s pocket knife – SWNS / Scottish SPCA

A newborn baby hare survived after a farmer performed an emergency Caesarean section, using his pocket knife.

Robert Craig had been collecting his forage crops to turn them into livestock feed when he accidentally struck a hare with his machinery in a Scottish field near Dumfriesshire. He jumped down to inspect the animal and says he sadly found it was killed.

“But then I saw her stomach move and knew instantly she was pregnant, and I had to act quickly to give the babies a chance at life,” Mr. Craig told SWNS news agency.

He then delivered two tiny babies by the side of the road.

“I carefully cut it open and saw the babies. I gave them a gentle swing to clear out any mucus, just like you would with newborn lambs,” explained the farmer.

“Then I started rubbing their bodies to try and get them breathing, and sure enough, they gasped and came around. So, I stopped working, got them warmed up, and called the Scottish SPCA.”

One of the newborn leverets survived and was named Bruno by the Scottish SPCA staff for “his fighting spirit”. He’s now making a remarkable recovery at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Animal Rescue Officer Emma Totney, who attended the scene, said: “When I arrived, I was surprised by how alert and energetic the baby was. It was a huge relief. He soon was feeding well and already showing signs of real fight.”

Bruno was immediately transferred to Fishcross, where the Scottish SPCA’s wildlife team provides round-the-clock care for orphaned and injured animals.

“We stopped a couple of times on the journey for feeding, and each time he did brilliantly.

Bruno the baby hare – SWNS / Scottish SPCA

“He was smaller than we’d expect for a newborn, but he’s a little miracle.

“It’s heartwarming to know that thanks to a kind-hearted farmer, this little miracle will get the chance to return to the wild and live a full life.”

Bruno weighed just 80g – well below the typical 100-130g birth weight for a newborn hare.

Wildlife assistant Shauni Stoddart, who has been caring for Bruno, said he is gaining strength.

“Due to his unique circumstances, he was hand-reared at home for the first five days to minimize stress,” explained Shauni, who said he now weighs more than nine times his birth weight—and has begun eating independently.

Bruno after weeks of care –SWNS / Scottish SPCA

The team is optimistic that Bruno will be ready for release in the coming weeks, provided his progress continues.

“It’s been an emotional journey for everyone involved but seeing him grow stronger every day is so rewarding.”

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The Scottish SPCA website has information on what to do if you encounter an injured hare.

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