A 61-year-old woman has been sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to 36 rabbits.

Anne Coram from Wrotham appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court today, where she admitted four offences of causing unnecessary suffering to rabbits and one of failing to provide 36 rabbits with a suitable environment.

The RSPCA was called by members of the public who had grown concerned about rabbits which kept running loose around a communal car park.

Warning: Distressing images

Officers attended Coram's address in Thomas Wyatt Way and found 36 rabbits living in dirty, dilapidated hutches.

There were no runs for the rabbits to exercise in, they had no access to water, and very little food.

Rosie Russon, an RSPCA inspector, said: "Sadly, it was too late for some, and I found the bodies of four baby rabbits which had perished."

Four of the 36 rabbits that were seized had to be put to sleep, but the rest were successfully rehomed.

The court also made an order for all other animals in Ms Coram's care to be removed and taken into the care of the RSPCA.

Inspector Russon added: "Ms Coram was described in court as a 'hoarder', and it was clear to me that having so many rabbits had become a major issue for her.

"She said that keeping the rabbits had started as a hobby for her daughter and it had quickly got out of hand.

"She took on more and more rabbits, and couldn't cope with the numbers she had. People would give her rabbits to keep, and those in her care were breeding, so it all got out of control.

"We hope that now she will receive the help she needs to tackle the hoarding issue."

She was sentenced to a six-month community order with a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and was disqualified from keeping all animals for two years.

Ms Coram will also have to pay £85 in costs and a £60 victim surcharge.