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Walkers were left horrified after dead rabbits were found dumped in a wooded area of a Darlington park.
The grim discovery was made early on Saturday morning (September 13) around 8.40am by a man walking along the top path in the Bee Dene area of Cocker Beck Park.
Alongside the carcases of four rabbits was a bin bag nearby that appeared to contain more.
The 27-year-old walker, who lives on Surtees Street, told The Northern Echo: "I found it strange and I have never seen anything like it around Darlington.
"I believe they were placed there by someone as it didn't look natural and there were no signs of attack by an animal.
"I think someone had been hunting and decided to dump them there, or someone was trying to be silly.
"It was more of an unexpected shock seeing it on a morning walk and just trying to figure out why someone would do it."
He added: "I also warned a lady walking her dog who was coming down the path and she was shocked by it as well.
"If the person who did this reads the article I just want them to think about their actions and how others would feel seeing what they left. It wouldn't have been a nice sight for children."
Multiple dead rabbits were found by walkers in the Bee Dene area of Darlington with bin bags believed to be containing more(Image: PROVIDED)
Darlington Borough Council confirmed the reports had been logged and the remains cleared.
A spokesperson said: "This issue was reported over the weekend and street scene staff attended on Monday (September 15)."
Durham Police said they had not been contacted about the incident. The Northern Echo contacted the RSPCA for comment.