The SSPCA and police appealed for public help

Rabbits Pom Pom and Sleepy were taken from a secure run in a garden in the Kaimhill area and were found dead nearby by their owner.

The Scottish SPCA said it was "totally unacceptable" and Grampian Police said the incident was "cruel".

The rabbits are believed to have been taken and killed between 2100 BST on Thursday and 1430 BST on Friday.

Culprits 'sick'

Owner Sharon Stewart, 43, told the BBC Scotland news website: "Their necks were broken.

"We have had Pom Pom for years and Sleepy was her baby. My children are devastated.

"Whoever did this is sick."

A Scottish SPCA spokesperson said: "This is extremely concerning.

"We hope our pets are safe in gardens but someone has been prepared to take the chance of breaking into a hutch. This is not normal behaviour."

Grampian Police said: "We wish to trace those responsible for this particularly cruel and nasty crime and urge any person who has information to contact us."