THE RSPCA is appealing for information after youths were seen kicking a rabbit about like a football.

It is the latest animal attack, and reinforces the region's unwelcome reputation as the animal cruelty capital of the country.

The brown and white lop-eared rabbit was seen being kicked about by three youths outside a Salvation Army centre in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, at about 7.30pm on Monday.

The youths were all aged about 12 and wore dark tracksuits.

RSPCA inspector Sue Craig found the rabbit and took it to a local vet. The rabbit, whose right hind leg was broken, was put down.

Ms Craig said: "This is a truly shocking case in which a small animal was kicked about like a football and made to suffer at the hands of three youngsters.

"This type of deliberate cruelty is unthinkable to most people, though we are often called to incidents involving young people, who seem to delight in inflicting pain on defenceless animals.

"This kind of behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated and we are keen to find out who the culprits are.

"If anyone saw, heard or knows anything about this incident, we are keen to hear from them urgently."

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA on 0870-5555-999.