A pet rabbit was found beheaded and mutilated in its owner's Oxford back garden.
Pat Archer, a trained animal nurse, found the family pet's dismembered body in her garden in Barton.
The rabbit, named Stanley, had belonged to Mrs Archer's four-year-old grand-daughter.
Mrs Archer, of Wicks Caravan Park, said: "It was awful.
"The person who did this was sick."
The two-year-old brown and white Dutch rabbit is thought to have died from a blow with a boot or cricket bat.
The rabbit hutch was also damaged.
The attack took place overnight on Tuesday, October 15.
Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA on 08705 555999.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article