Pet rabbit is beheaded by thieves

Stephen Philpott outlined what had happened

A Dunmurry family has been left devastated by the theft of two pet rabbits, one of which was later found decapitated.

The pets, which were bought as a birthday present for a six-year-old boy, were stolen overnight. The second rabbit is still missing.

The USPCA said young people were most likely behind what it called a "wanton act of cruelty".

"It was a barbaric crime... clearly premeditated," said the charity.

The rabbits, which were only bought a few weeks ago, had been kept in an enclosure in the back garden of the house in the Lagmore area.

USPCA chief executive Stephen Philpott said: "The authorities need the help of the community to identify and prosecute the offenders.

"The person or persons responsible are heartless and sadistic and should be made accountable for their cowardly crime."

His colleague, David Wilson, said the little boy was "absolutely distraught".

He said those behind the attack had "some kind of perverted sense of excitement" and said incidents of this nature happened across the province.

Anyone who has information is being urged contact the USPCA's 24-hour information line on 028 9081 4242.