A man has been charged with torturing a rabbit after allegedly cutting off its back legs with a pair of scissors.

Patryk Sochocki, 25, is accused of mutilating the animal shortly after buying it from a pet shop in the US.

He allegedly chopped off the rabbit’s legs, tail and genitalia as he drove home from the store in Connecticut, the Journal Inquirer reported.

After buying the animal, he was spotted by police swerving and slamming on his brakes, according to court documents.

When the officer pulled him over, it’s alleged Sochoki’s eyes were bloodshot and the officer could smell marijuana.

As he began to question Sochocki, the policeman is said to have spotted a pair of bloodied scissors inside the car.

Patryk Sochocki, 25, is accused of mutilating a rabbit shortly after buying it from the pet shop. Credit: That's Life

They were matted with fur next to a bloodstained box.

Then, the officer came across the white, black and brown rabbit’s mutilated body in the back seat, according to court documents.

Sochoki was charged with cruelty to animals, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, failure to drive in the proper lane and use of drug paraphernalia.

After being charged, he was released on bail.

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The rabbit was rushed to a veterinary hospital but it couldn’t be saved.

At a hearing on Wednesday, Sochocki, from Willington, Connecticut, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A group of animal rights campaigners attended the hearing in protest of Sochoki’s alleged crimes.

The accused denied having used drugs or alcohol on the day he was pulled over by police, the Journal Inquirer reported.

Nappies in backpack

When police inspected the man's car, they found a glass smoking pipe and a backpack full of nappies.

When asked about the nappies, Sochocki said they were for him because he "liked to wear them."

A shop worker testified that the man had walked into the store looking "upset" and asked to use the bathroom.

He left the store, then returned and bought a rabbit for $110, paying with a credit card.

The shop worker alleged Sochocki then "aggressively" picked up the box containing the rabbit and walked out.

He is next due in court on January 7.

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