RAYMOND, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire officials say animal cruelty charges are expected following the discovery of a rabbit with a rope around its neck in a river.

Raymond police said kayakers found the rabbit struggling in the Lamprey River late Sunday afternoon. They said the rope around the rabbit’s neck was attached to a five-pound weight.

Matthew Cobb, a veterinarian, tells WMUR-TV that the treatment of the rabbit was “sick.” He said the rabbit swallowed a lot of river water but is recovering.

Police said the rabbit is a pet, and animal cruelty charges are pending against a juvenile. The investigation is continuing.

Rabbit recovering after being found in river with rope around neck https://t.co/JTqvdblXy8 pic.twitter.com/zK7pKjCdGH — WMUR TV (@WMUR9) July 9, 2019