A FAMILY has been left heartbroken after their pet rabbit was mutilated in their back garden.
Kerry Parker has described the moment she discovered her bunny Little Tommy had been killed.
His head and tail had been cut off, and his body was left in his run.
A vet has confirmed that Tommy's head and tail were "removed with a sharp instrument" and ruled out any animal attack, the family said.
A police investigation has since been launched following the incident on Providence Hill in Bursledon between 12.45pm and 2.30pm on Monday, March 7.
It has been reported that the rabbit was intentionally killed by an "unknown person", and police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Kerry told the Daily Echo she wants to raise awareness of the incident to help protect other owners and their pets.
Kerry had taken her dog for a walk and was only out of her house for an hour but upon her return home, she noticed her house cat was acting "distressed" and was meowing at the back door.
Kerry then found Tommy's mutilated body in the back garden.
Tommy with Kerry's Golden Retriever
"We thought it was an animal [that had killed him]," she said.
"His head and tail had been removed.
"He was such a lovely little boy. We're gutted.
"We think that maybe someone was watching the house."
Kerry's husband Tom has since installed a number of CCTV cameras. They are concerned for the safety of their dog and cat.
Tommy with Kerry's house cat
Kerry said anyone entering the garden would have to scale a 7ft wall, or a 6ft wooden fence that separates her and her neighbour's garden.
Kerry added: "We had him for four years, he was bought for my granddaughter but lived here with us.
"He was such a good little lad. He had a big personality for such a small bunny."
Tommy with Kerry's Golden Retriever
A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "Our enquiries into the incident remain ongoing at this time to establish the exact circumstances.
"We are asking if anyone saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident to report this to us via 101, quoting 44220092244."
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