A 25-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly kicking and killing a rabbit, following a series of animal cruelty incidents that have led to the deaths of 77 bunnies on Okunoshima, also known as Japan’s Rabbit Island.
Source: eaonweb on Canva
According to Kyodo News, the man was apprehended on Tuesday (21 Jan) after being seen kicking the animal.
Police were able to identify the suspect as Riku Hotta, an office worker from Otsu City.
A witness reported seeing Hotta first lure the rabbit with a carrot, ensuring no one was nearby before coaxing it closer.
It was at that point the witness saw him kick the rabbit behind a tree.
Source: Kyodo News
The witness immediately intervened, apprehending the man and handing him over to the police, who arrested him for the act.
Police later found the carcass of the rabbit near the spot where the suspect was detained.
Hotta admitted to the animal abuse, saying: “I’ve done similar things during previous visits last year.”
The rabbits are very cute, and I wondered how they would react if I bullied them.
Source: Nippon TV News
Otsu City is over 300km away from Okunoshima, meaning he had travelled more than five hours by train or car to carry out the act.
Hotta’s case of animal abuse comes amid a troubling series of incidents involving violence against Okunoshima’s famed rabbits.
The island is home to around 500 wild rabbits and attracts approximately 200,000 visitors each year who come to see the adorable bunnies.
However, since 26 Nov 2024, nearly 80 rabbit carcasses have been found, many with broken bones and other injuries.
Local authorities suspect these deaths were “unnatural”.
Police are currently investigating whether Hotta is connected to the other cases of suspected animal cruelty.
Also read: Cat in Thailand shot in eye with metal dart, suspected to be targeted for food due to cold weather
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Featured image adapted from Nippon TV News and seaonweb on Canva.
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