Crime & Safety
Bunny Thrown Against Wall Recovering In Tampa
Three teenage girls were arrested after a Snapchat video surfaced allegedly showing them throwing the bunny against a wall.
TAMPA, FL — Fuzzy Pants, the bunny thrust into the national spotlight after a video surfaced showing alleged abuse, is on the mend in Tampa.
The rabbit was brought to BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa for care following her Memorial Day weekend ordeal. The rabbit was reportedly thrown against a wall several times by three girls, ages 13 and 14.
“She’s stable and she’s eating well,” Dr. Peter Helmer said after examining Fuzzy Pants on Thursday. The rabbit is receiving pain medication, he added.
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The rabbit underwent a full-body X-ray after arriving in Tampa to make sure all of her injuries were found, BluePearl said in a media release. The information gleaned will be used to determine the best treatment plan for the critter.
The incident that resulted in Fuzzy Pant’s injury occurred on Saturday in Jacksonville. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office ultimately charged the three teens on animal cruelty charges. The video shows Fuzzy Pants being held by the throat, as well, the Florida Times Union reported.
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Following Saturday’s incident, the Southwest Florida House Rabbit Rescue stepped in with an offer to help care for the rabbit. That organization’s Jennifer MacBeth is working with Nassau County Animal Services to make certain Fuzzy Pants is well cared for. MacBeth is the one who brought the rabbit to Tampa.
“My hope is obviously that she recovers from her injuries to the point that she can have a good quality of life,” Macbeth said.
The hope at this point is for Fuzzy Pants to recover enough to move in with a foster family and eventually be placed with an adoptive family.
“We want to get her in to an incredible home where she’s going to be loved and pampered and be part of the family,” MacBeth said.
Anyone who is interested in receiving information about adopting Fuzzy Pants can email swflrabbits@gmail.com.
It is currently unclear just how soon she’ll be ready to be placed with an adoptive family.
Photo courtesy of BluePearl Veterinary Partners
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