Owning floppy-eared rabbits is cruel because the intensively bred animals are likely to be deaf and in pain, the Royal Veterinary College has warned.

In a new study, scientists have proved that floppy or lop-eared breeds suffer from reduced airflow and a build-up of earwax, with the altered head shape also causing dental pain and eating difficulties.

It follows numerous warnings about the cruelty of designer dog breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs.

Charles Darwin first noted how artificial selection for rabbits with “pendulous” ears was leading to altered skull shapes.

However, the new research is the first to prove conclusively that the breeding preference causes suffering, following years of anecdotal warnings by vets.

Lop-eared breeds are estimated to comprise more than half of rabbits owned as domestic pets in the UK.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has now urged potential owners to “think health over looks” when choosing an animal.

Published in Vet Record, the study compared 15 lop-eared rabbits of various breeds to 15 erect eared rabbits in a rescue centre.

Researchers found that those with floppy ears were 43 times more likely to have narrowed ear canals and 15 times more likely to be exhibiting pain.