MISGUIDED pet owners are setting unwanted rabbits and guinea pigs free in a park.

Ranger Natalie Marwood said that, on average, two rabbits a month are abandoned at Stewart Park, in Middlesbrough, which has a pets' corner.

The latest one was a male lop-eared rabbit.

She said: "This rabbit has no teeth, so it has difficulty feeding.

"It must have been somebody's pet. It's really irresponsible. They have just tired of it, decided they were no longer responsible for it, and obviously don't care about animals. It's really bad.''

Parks manager Jim Moody said: "Apart from being extremely heartless, a small animal can be injured easily, it causes problems with fighting between male animals, disruption to breeding plans and possibly brings diseases into the park.

"If anyone sees someone dumping a pet in the park, I would urge them to give us all the details so we can report this irresponsible behaviour to the police and RSPCA.''

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "This just shows a complete lack of care and responsibility which, with a small animal, can cause it injury. If people are not prepared to look after an animal, then just don't buy it.''

She said it was wrong to think a pet rabbit or guinea pig would know how to fend for itself in the wild.