Beijing, Aug 19 (IANS) Some 600 rabbits have died of stress after three dogs broke into a farm in eastern China, a media report said.


The incident occurred in Haixin village of Zhejiang province. Yan Fugen found about 1,000 dead rabbits after the dogs broke into his farm Aug 7. Nearly 600 rabbits had no injuries, the China Daily reported Thursday.

Chen Dongxiang, an expert with the local animal husbandry bureau, said the deaths were the result of the animals' stress. When rabbits are scared, their bodies secrete large amounts of adrenaline, he said.

Their nervous system enters into a state of excitation, causing their hearts to beat fast and their organs to function improperly. That can lead to death, he added.

Chen said pheasants, like rabbits, can also be scared to death.