The RSPCA are hunting for a ritualistic killer following the "exceptionally distressing discovery" of four dead rabbits.
The animals were found by a member of the public on Friday (October 7), displayed inside a burnt-out car in Solihull, West Midlands.
Whoever killed the black and white rabbits purposely displayed their bodies around the vehicle, according to the RSPCA.
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They were also found with faeces and straw stuck to them, prompting additional concerns that the rabbits had been neglected before their deaths, reports BirminghamLive.
"This was an exceptionally distressing discovery and I want to thank the kind-hearted caller who notified us," said RSPCA animal rescue officer Cara Gibbon.
"It is always heartbreaking to deal with dead animals but what was especially upsetting with this incident was the condition they’d been found in and the way the person who had done this had displayed their bodies.
"Someone had purposely positioned them in the car, with their dead bodies placed around the vehicle. After speaking to passersby, I've determined that the burned out car has been there for approximately two weeks and that the bodies of the rabbits are thought to have been placed in the car between Thursday, 6 October and Friday, 7 October."
Those with any information about the discovery – which was made next to Babbs Mill Lake just off Fordbridge Road in Kingshurst, Solihull – have been urged to get in touch.
Cara added: "Our inspectorate appeal line can be reached on 0300 123 8018, and calls are treated in confidence."
The RSPCA recently raised concerns about the plight of pet rabbits after the number of them being taken in by rescue centres surged.
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In 2021, the RSPCA took in 2,731 rabbits across England and Wales – a 7% compared to 2020 (2,549).
RSPCA rabbit welfare expert Dr Jane Tyson said: “Rabbits can live for a long time and can be costly. They need much more than just a hutch at the end of the garden – they need space, companionship and enrichment to live happy and healthy lives.
“We’d urge anyone thinking of getting bunnies to do their research first and make sure they can commit to those rabbits for the rest of their lives. If you’d like to take on a rabbit or a pair of rabbits then please do consider adopting a rescue animal instead of buying from a pet shop.”
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