More dead rabbits found hanging from trees in Yorkshire as investigation continues
Warning: This article contains an image which some people may find upsetting.
More dead rabbits have been found hanging in trees close to a Yorkshire school - as police and the RSPCA launch an investigation into the grisly finds.
The RSPCA said last week four rabbits had been found hanging in trees around Rawmarsh Community School and near St Joseph’s Junior Football Club, in Rawmarsh, at the start of April.
Animal Rescue Officer Mark Richardson was sent to the scene and said he believed the rabbits had been intentionally killed and then thrown into the trees.
A further 20 rabbits have now been found in the trees between April 10 and 12 and it is believed they have been shot before being hung in the trees.
Mr Richardson said: “We now believe the poor rabbits have been shot and the police will be looking into any firearms offences which may have been committed.
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“This has been really distressing for passersbys to come across this awful scene on two separate occasions.
“We have no idea why so many bodies were thrown in the trees but find this behaviour very disturbing.
“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 should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 with any information about firearms or anti-social behaviour concerns.
“If they suspect any animal welfare offences have been committed they should call the RSPCA’s charity’s appeal line, confidentially, on 0300 123 8018.”