A COURT has heard how a rabbit squealed as it was kicked to death by two teenagers on a school field.

The animal had been chased down by the 16-year-olds who then took turns to kick it before one of them chopped its neck.

But their actions were described as 'vile’ by presiding magistrate Carole Bass at Canterbury Juvenile Court.

The boys, who cannot be named because of their age, were prosecuted by the RSPCA under the Wild Animal Protection Act. At an earlier hearing, which was adjourned for pre-sentence reports, they had admitted causing the rabbit unnecessary suffering.

Jim Richards, prosecuting, said the incident took place on September 3, last year, on a school field at Spring Lane, Canterbury.

He said the youths had chased two rabbits and caught one which they had both kicked repeatedly. One of the boys then gave it a karate-style chop to the neck.

A post-mortem was carried out by a vet who could not be sure on the exact cause of death but thought it most likely to be from the kicks and chop. He also found the animal was suffering with myxomatosis.

Magistrate Carole Bass demanded to know from the teenagers why they had done it. She said: “It may have been a wild animal but it is still one of the creatures of this world. It may have been sick but you do not have the right to take its life. How dare you take it into your own hands? It was a vile thing to do.”

One of the youths told the court how they had chased after two rabbits and caught one which did not run away. I haven’t got a reason why we did it. I just kicked it and it squealed.”

Debbie Pizzey, for the boys, said they were both sorry and ashamed. “They are sick to the stomach and deeply embarrassed,” she added.

The court sentenced the pair to 12-month supervision orders, to include an element of working with an animal welfare organisation. They were also ordered to each pay £175 costs.

After the hearing, RSPCA inspector Colin Kirkwood said: “We hope this sends out a message that wild animals do have protection from this sort of unacceptable behaviour.”