Twenty more dead rabbits found in trees

The bodies of 20 dead rabbits have been found hanging from trees - just over a week after four more of the creatures were discovered in similar circumstances.

The "grisly scene" was uncovered on 10 April near Rawmarsh Community School in Rotherham and the RSPCA said it believes the wild rabbits were slaughtered deliberately and thrown into the trees in the hope a bird of prey would take them.

The animal charity is liaising with South Yorkshire Police and an investigation has been launched.

A RSPCA spokesperson said: "This has been really distressing for passers-by to come across this awful scene on two separate occasions."

On 4 April a passer-by came across one dead rabbit hanging from a tree in the same area then four days later a further three were found.

The RSPCA said the animals were shot and said the police would be looking into whether any firearms offences have been committed.

Animal rescue officer Mark Richardson said: "We have no idea why so many bodies were thrown in the trees, but find this behaviour very disturbing."

He added: "There is no CCTV in the area so we would urge anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the area or has first hand information that could assist the investigation to call South Yorkshire Police."

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