ANIMALS have been removed from a council-run park following allegations of mistreatment.

The RSPCA has confirmed it is investigating an alleged offence at Darlington's South Park.

Darlington Borough Council said it was co-operating with the RSPCA following the allegation concerning mistreatment of rabbits.

The park - which recently underwent a £3.9m upgrade - contains an aviary, which as well as housing exotic birds, also accommodates rabbits.

But the rabbits have been removed after a member of the public alleged they were not being looked after properly. They are no longer being looked after by the authority.

The council has been accused of not providing the animals with proper veterinary care.

Last night, a spokesman for the RSPCA said the charity was investigating the allegations. He said: "We have received a complaint about some animals which have been removed from the park, and we're looking into it at the moment."

A council spokesman said no disciplinary measures had been implemented.

He said: "The health of the animals in South Park is regularly checked by vets.

"Recently, the rabbits have become unwell and our vets have been looking into this."

On Saturday, November 4, the park held its annual firework display, which was attended by an estimated 80,000 people.

The rabbits were moved to temporary accommodation to avoid being frightened by the fireworks.

John Throw, chairman of the Friends of South Park, said he was not aware of the allegations.

He said: "It would be a shock if this was true. The council has looked after the animals very well in the past."

The park, which is the oldest in the region, recently underwent a £3.9m refurbishment. It includes a new rose and sensory garden, rockery and rustic bridge.