A BROWN rabbit abandoned at an animal shelter has stunned staff after having a much needed bath.

The brown bunny turned pure white after being bathed, as rescuers realised his fur had been stained by cigarette smoke.

Volunteers at Sweetie's Rescue rabbit sanctuary in Ontario, Canada said they knew he was "dirty" when he arrived, but were left "completely shocked" when he completely changed colour.

Multiple washes revealed the rabbit was stained by the tar and nicotine from the cigarette smoke and was not brown coloured at all.

Rabbit rescuer Ashley Muvahill, 36, said the smell of smoke was permeating so strongly from the bunny's fur she was left feeling nauseous.

The rabbit - initially dubbed Crusty, now called Rio - had since undergone a massive transformation.

Ashley said she cou

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