THREE rabbits were dumped in the snow at Birchington's Quex Park with their ears cut off.

The mutilated bunnies were discovered shaking and shivering in the estate grounds on Friday, February 10.

Darren Mulshaw, warehouse manager for Kent Crisps on the estate, found the rabbits as he was driving through.

He said: "I saw a white rabbit, and thought 'that's very rare', and when I saw the second I realised something wasn't right."

As Mr Mulshaw got closer he realised one of the rabbits had both ears missing and the other had half an ear cut off.

Mr Mulshaw stopped his van to rescue the rabbits with a colleague. They also discovered a black rabbit suffering from an eye infection, but with both ears intact.

The next day a brown rabbit was also found with both ears missing.

Mr Mulshaw said: "It was quite difficult to catch the rabbits as they were running from field to field and were scared."

He drove the three frightened bunnies to the nearby RSPCA Woodchurch rescue centre.

Mr Mulshaw said: "Why anyone would have done this to the rabbits is just beyond belief.

"They had obviously been pets at some point as they knew how to be fed using a water bottle."

The rabbits were later taken to the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells branch of the RSPCA as all the hutches at the Thanet branch were full.

Katie Harris, cattery and small animals manager, said: "We can't be completely sure, but we think that someone may have deliberately cut off the rabbits' ears and dumped them.

"If so, this is an absolutely despicable thing to do to any animal and we would like to hear from anyone who thinks they might know who was responsible."

The RSPCA is urging anyone with information to contact the national cruelty line on 0300 123 499.

Ms Harris added that the branch is desperately seeking new homes for the rabbits.

Anyone wishing to rehome them should call 07595 997674.