A FAMILY were left horrified when a number of slaughtered baby rabbits were dumped in their backyard.

Phillipa Prestage, 25, and Stephen Taylor, 31, of Church Lane, Clayton-le-Moors, found the carcasses at 9.30pm on Sunday when they were getting ready to walk their dogs.

Phillipa said: "It was a revolting sight and I was really shocked. It is absolutely horrible animal cruelty."

Around nine wild baby rabbits had apparently been decapitated and pulled apart before the body parts were strewn all around the yard.

The family, who regularly use their yard to allow their two children and two dogs to play, are now scared to go out because of the health and hygiene implications.

Stephen said: "It's disgusting and unfair on my children. We have rung the police. This is a serious act of animal cruelty. Even I can see that."

The couple's six-year-old daughter Julie was upset at the discovery.

Phillipa said: "I also have an eight-month-old daughter Demi-Lea and this is really dangerous for them. There are large flies everywhere, it really is horrific.''

The family believe the incident is linked to a four-year feud with another Clayton family.

But when a reporter called at the house in question, a woman who answered the door said: "There is no comment from this household."

The family were helped in cleaning up the mess by a council official, who came and took the carcasses away.

Crossley Simpson, Phillipa's stepfather, said: "I'm really concerned.

"These are wild animals that can carry diseases like myxomatosis. Dead animals should not be dumped in anyone's backyard, never mind one where children play.''

RSPCA inspector Lisa Lupson said: "Having been along to the property and inspected rabbit heads, ears and feet, it seems to me these were left-overs from animals which have been killed for food.

"Finding them in your garden is obviously very distressing but as far as the RSPCA is concerned we have no reason to believe that any animal suffered through what happened here."

A police spokesman said: "We can confirm that an investigation is underway and inquiries are ongoing.

"I urge anyone with any information on this cruel and thoughtless act to contact police on 0845 125 35 45."