SICK thugs cut the claws off a baby rabbit until it bled and then burnt its feet with the end of a cigarette.

The rabbit was found in its hutch at a house on Barstow Avenue, York, with claws cut off on its two back legs and cigarette burns.

Police are seeking information about the horrific attack which happened sometime between Wednesday evening and Friday evening.

Four-and-a-half-month-old Bonnie, who was kept in an outhouse with another rabbit, was found barely alive by 12-year-old Amy Yates on Friday evening.

Amy, who was looking after the pet while its owner was away, found the injured rabbit in a cage full of blood when she went to feed the pets.

Amy's mother, Cheryl, says her daughter has been left traumatised after the grim discovery.

Cheryl said: "When she went on Friday the rabbit cage was full of blood and she was too scared to open it.

"She came home crying, and me and my friend went to the house."

Cheryl immediately took the rabbit to the vet's.

She said: "When we took it to the vet's he said he had never seen anything like it.

"He said he could not believe anyone would do something like this and he was surprised she had survived."

Lucy Frampton, who owns the rabbits, was away on holiday at the time and only found out when she was contacted by Cheryl.

She said she cannot imagine who would do something like this.

She added: "I was devastated as I was in Tenerife at the time. Cheryl sent me a text message and I rang her back. I could not believe it.

"Someone who did this must have been very sick."

Anyone who has information about the attack should contact York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 12:13 Wednesday, December 11, 2002