AN investigation has been launched after a woman found a dead rabbit in a carrier bag dumped in her garden.
The badly decomposed remains were crawling with maggots.
Shocked RSPCA officials, who are investigating the incident, say the pet had been dead for some time when it was found by the woman in the rear garden of her home in Littondale, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, yesterday.
RSPCA Inspector Chris Guy said: "This poor woman was terribly distressed by her discovery.
"An initial examination has not revealed that the rabbit suffered any external injuries, so it seems quite likely it died a natural death.
"But why somebody should dispose of the body in such a callous manner is beyond me.
"Of course, we cannot rule out that foul play caused the rabbit's death, which might explain why somebody should want to dump the body in such a manner."
The rabbit's body has been retained by the RSPCA as evidence. Anyone with information is asked to call the charity on 0870 555 5999 in confidence
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