A DEAD, emaciated rabbit and an alive, but very thin rabbit were found dumped in an alley in Middlesbrough early this morning (Tuesday, February 16).

They were found in a cage behind the houses on Ayresome Street, Wicklow Street and Longford Street, at the Ayresome Street end, just after midnight.

The cage had a blue plastic base and black wire top and a water bottle was attached, but it was empty.

RSPCA inspector Clare Wilson said: “The cage had wood-shavings in it which were sopping wet with urine and covered in droppings.

“The dead rabbit had died very recently, perhaps even after the pair were dumped.

"I’d describe the dead rabbit as fawn and white in colour, with lop ears. I haven’t confirmed this rabbit’s sex yet.

“The live rabbit is a fairly large tan and black male, also with lop ears. He is very thin.”

Neither of the rabbits was microchipped so at the moment there is no way to identify their owner.

“It is unacceptable to dump animals out in the cold like this, and it’s clear that these rabbits were neglected beforehand too," said Ms Wilson.

She urged anyone with any specific information about who the rabbits belonged to, or who saw anything that might help the RSPCA's investigation, to call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300-123-8018 and ask to leave a message for Inspector Clare Wilson.