A DISTRAUGHT couple today appealed for help in catching sick yobs who decapitated their beloved pet.

John Williams and his partner Catherine Parkman found their headless pet rabbit Thumper lying dead in their garden. Police today said sadistic thugs severed the rabbit's head and then took the head with them, leaving the couple to find only their pet's body and empty hutch.

Today, Mr Williams, of West Park Drive, near Stanley Park, said their seven grandchildren will be heartbroken.
He said: "What can you say about someone who does something like this? I went to feed the rabbit on Wednesday morning, but he didn't come to greet me as he usually does when I put the food down. I thought he must just be in the garden, but then I saw him lying there. It was definitely done by a person and not an animal as it was a clean cut. It's disgusting.
Our grandchildren will be devastated. Holly, who is three, was the first to find out and she was really upset. There is a big difference between hurting an animal and doing this and taking its head away."

Mrs Parkman, 52, said: "You wonder what sort of people can do this sort of thing. We are really worried about this happening to someone else and their pet.
Thumper was a small, defenceless animal. If somebody had just taken him, I could have understood that. I don't know how they could do it. The grandchildren used to love coming round to see the rabbit and they will be distraught."

Police and the RSPCA have condemned the act as "sickening" and urged the public to help in catching the culprits. The thugs broke in to the back garden of the property at some time late on Tuesday night.

PC Mick Ginn, of Blackpool Police, said: "This was a terrible act. It is just absolutely sickening. Somebody has broken into these people's garden and done this to the poor rabbit, which was probably terrified. We don't know what was used, but it was some sort of sharp instrument. The fact they took the head as well is macabre and indicates it could be someone with serious mental health issues. We urge anyone with any information to contact us."

Ann Hedley, from the RSPCA, added: "It's horrendous. Whoever did this to this poor rabbit obviously has no respect for animals or for themselves."
Anyone with information about the incident, should contact Blackpool Police on (01253) 293933.