A PET rabbit almost died after being left to live amongst dirty nappies and household waste when the owner left it in the garden.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard that Sarah Hird’s partner told an RSPCA inspector to “f*** off” when he said the living conditions weren’t good enough for the pet.

Kevin Campbell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said: “The investigator called at the address and the door was opened by a man.

“He said he got a shock at the amount of waste and rubbish piled up in the yard and in the corner was a small brown rabbit, soaking wet and without shelter.

“He explained the living conditions were unsuitable and there was an unfortunate exchange where he was told to “f*** off out of my house”, the inspector took the rabbit and he was examined by a veterinary surgeon.

“Police say they opened the back door and saw a pile of domestic waste, the smell was terrible and it appeared it had been there for months. There was a small rabbit hutch against the wall.”

The RSPCA contacted the landlord of the house, on Shildon Street, in Darlington, who confirmed that a letting agreement stated there should be no animals living at the property.

Mr Campbell added: “The vet who examined the rabbit said it was covered in urine scald and had matted fur, the rabbit’s skin was red raw, very painful and it has similar to nappy rash.

“She went on to identify other issues in the rabbit, it’s digestion system was not working properly, it needs to be working all the time or they become very unwell and die very quickly.

“The hutch was nowhere near good enough, and meant no protection from the extremes of the weather or predators.”

Hird, 35, who was unrepresented in court, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and being the person responsible of an animal to ensure welfare.

She was banned from keeping rabbits for five years, fined £276 and ordered to pay £150 costs and £30 victim surcharge.