A SHOCKED animal lover whose pet rabbit was killed and hung outside her house spoke out this week about the "disgusting" act.

Jodie Park, 19, of Stonebower Cottages, Burton-in-Lonsdale, said her boyfriend Colin Read, had found her pet rabbit, Rachel, dead and hanging on the back gate outside their house.

Jodie, who is a great animal lover and has taken in numerous abandoned animals, said she had got Rachel about six months ago from an animal sanctuary in Lancaster.

Ever since the incident Jodie, mother to 10-month-old Aimee, said she had been trying to understand how someone could do such a thing.

She said she remembers shouting at some young people outside the house to keep the noise down the night before the incident, but had doubts the action was a consequence of a grudge someone held against her.

Jodie, who works as a care assistant in Stainforth, said: "The next morning when my boyfriend went out he found my rabbit with its head in perfect condition but the rest of its body was skinned and it was hanging over the back gate. It had not been bitten or anything by another animal.

"I can't blame anyone for what has happened because I've no idea who would do such a thing. It's all very weird. I just can't work out why someone would do such a thing. It's just made me feel sick.

"I hope someone's conscience will be triggered, if they've got one that is. I think what's happened is totally disgusting."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact PC Andy McClurg at Ingleton Police on 01756 793377.

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