SIX rabbits could have died in the recent freeze after they were thrown from a car.

Animal charity the RSPCA is trying to trace the people who dumped two adult rabbits and their four babies on High Road, Middlestone, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, at 4.30pm on Wednesday.

A member of the public who was walking his dog saw the car stop. A door opened and the contents of what looked like a carrier bag were shaken on to the pavement.

When he drew closer, he was shocked to find the frightened pets.

The adults are both white, with a row of black speckles down their backs. Two of the babies resembled their parents, but the other two were completely white with red eyes.

RSPCA animal collection officer Debbie Cliff, who picked up the animals from the scene, said: "These creatures were obviously dumped by somebody who couldn't have cared less.

"If they had not been spotted, they would have perished in the cold. Despite my years in this job, I still do not understand what prompts people to treat animals with such little regard."

The rabbits have been cared for at the RSPCA's Great Ayton Animal Centre, from where they will be found new homes.

Anyone convicted under the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960 faces up to six months in prison and a maximum fine of £5,000.

The RSPCA has appealed for help in tracing the people who dumped the rabbits.

Read more about the Chance to Live campaign here.