Smoky was trapped for more than five hours

Smoky, a black and white Netherland Dwarf rabbit, vanished from a cardboard box in the kitchen of owner Kate Kaines' Bristol home on Wednesday.

When she did not reappear, Ms Kaines, 21, called in the fire brigade who used thermal imaging equipment to find her.

Firefighters then tore up floorboards and lured the animal to safety using pieces of fruit and a toy fishing net.

In doghouse

The pet is now safely back in her garden hutch at the house in Bradley Stoke, but it is thought the damage to the floor will cost �300 to repair.

Ms Kaines said: "I'm ever so glad Smoky is alright, but she is definitely in the doghouse.

"I've banished her to her cage to give her time to think about what she's done.

"She is usually good as gold, but I think the hot weather must have affected her temperament."

Leading firefighter Rob Seaman said: "This is certainly one of the more unusual call-outs we have attended.

"We get called out to help cats and dogs that have got themselves stuck but a rabbit, that's odd."