AN appeal has been issued to help trace the owner of a rabbit found abandoned in a back alley in Stockton.

The lop-eared grey and white female rabbit, which has been kept in good condition and appears to be fit and healthy, was in its hutch but had no water when found in the alley of Vicarage Street, on Friday.

It was taken in by Stockton Borough Council's animal welfare team, which has called it Smokey.

Michelle Johnson, from the team, said: "We received a call from an elderly lady to say she had noticed a rabbit hutch outside her gate with a rabbit in it.

"She told us the rabbit had a water bottle but no food so she had taken it a carrot.

"We do not know how the rabbit came to be there and wonder if someone has had one stolen. It is unusual to find a rabbit in its own hutch.

"We are desperate to find a happy ending to this story, and anyone with any information leading us to the rightful owners, or anyone interested in adopting Smokey, should get in touch."

Stockton's animal welfare team can be contacted on (01642) 391126.