A rabbit has been found dumped in a "terrible state" at the side of the road.

The animal was discovered by a member of the public on the Elphinstone Road in East Lothian on Wednesday February 1.

They took the rabbit home and called the Scottish SPCA for help and advice.

The male crossbreed had a "severe" case of ear mites which had spread to his eyes, face and legs. The animal charity took the pet to a vet for treatment and he is now being cared for at their Edinburgh rehoming centre.

Staff at the centre have named the rabbit Romeo.

They are now trying to find the owner who abandoned the animal by the side of the road.

Mairi Stewart, animal rescue officer, said: "Poor Romeo was in a terrible state and there is no doubt he would have been in pain and distress for some time before he was dumped.

"Ear mites are very simply treated and whoever owned Romeo has allowed his condition to develop to a severe stage where it would have been obvious that he was in need of urgent veterinary treatment.

"The person responsible for dumping him has been particularly cruel by leaving him in such a vulnerable position. He had no shelter and was left beside a busy road in the freezing cold where he could easily have been hit by a car.

"Despite his ordeal, Romeo has a very friendly nature and it's likely he has been someone's pet. We're appealing to the public for information as we really need to find the person responsible for this cruel act.

"Once Romeo has fully recovered we'll be looking to find him a loving new home."

Anyone with information about Romeo is asked to call the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.