HEARTLESS thugs threw a rabbit down a 17-storey rubbish chute.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the distressed animal was found on a pile of rubbish at a block of flats in Glenfinnan Road, Maryhill.

Animal welfare officers believe the culprit was trying to get rid of the lop-eared bunny or it may have been a sick prank.

The charity said it was "remarkable" the animal had survived her ordeal.

She is now in the care of the charity's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Cardonald and has been named Edwina.

Senior Inspector Billy Linton said: "These bins are locked at the bottom so the only way Edwina could have got there was if she was thrown down the rubbish chute.

"Remarkably, she was unharmed but she could have been seriously injured or even killed had anything heavy or sharp been emptied into the bin after she was.

"She was also extremely frightened. The building is 17 storeys high so there's a chance she has fallen from a great height.

"We can't be sure how long she had been there before she was found.

"It is possible that someone threw Edwina down the chute because they wanted to get rid of her and thought no one would find her there.

"We also have to consider that it may have been someone's idea of a sick joke.

"Either way, this was extremely cruel and we are keen to speak to anyone who knows who may have owned her.

"We will continue to care for Edwina until we can find her the loving home she deserves."

In a separate case, a Carluke couple have been convicted of dog neglect for allowing their elderly Labrador to suffer for at least 10 days after he lost the use of his back legs.

Carolyn Pool, 43, and Gary Smith, 45, of Tarbert Place, were both fined £450 and banned from keeping dogs for 21 months at Lanark Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

They pleaded guilty to causing their 12-year-old dog, Bracken, unnecessary suffering by failing to provide him with the necessary and earlier veterinary attention he required.

Scottish SPCA inspectors were alerted to Bracken's condition in July last year.

They found the pet lying on the floor, unable to stand and covered in urine and faeces.

He was later put down.

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk