School's pets killed in break-in

Eighteen pets at a Leicestershire primary school have been killed or attacked during a break-in.

The caretaker at Thistly Meadow County Primary School in Blaby found the bodies of nine rabbits and nine chickens on Saturday morning.

The surviving two adult and three baby rabbits and a guinea pig are being looked after by a pupil's grandmother.

No other damage was found at the school and nothing was taken. Leicestershire Police and the RSPA are investigating.

It is believed the animals' pens were forced open in the early hours.

Post-mortem examinations are being carried out on the dead pets but it is thought all 18 died after their necks were wrung by hand.

'Senseless attack'

RSPCA inspector Sheona Morley said: "This was an extremely nasty and senseless attack. It is very distressing for the staff and pupils of the school who were close to the animals.

"We urge anyone with any information at all to contact us in confidence - please don't let those responsible get away with this."

Thistly Meadow headmistress Karen Allen added: "We are all devastated by this incident and are still shocked that someone could do this."

The penalty for causing unnecessary suffering to animals is a maximum six-month prison sentence and a £20,000 fine.