Accused Bunny Burner Arrested

North Port, FL — The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a man in connection with the June “intentional burning of a domestic rabbit named Thumper.”

In an email to media, deputies said Manasseh Walker, 22, of Englewood was arrested in Punta Gorda Thursday afternoon. He now faces an aggravated animal cruelty charge.

The search for Walker began on June 14 when an injured rabbit, who appeared to have been burned, was discovered in a North Port neighborhood. The sheriff’s office issued a public plea for information in the case.

“Thanks to a ton of public interest and ‘shares,’ the owner came forward and disclosed details of the incident,” the email said. Witnesses told deputies Walker claimed to have been bitten by Thumper on June 12 and “a few moments later was seen chasing the animal while it was on fire.”

The search for the suspect gave birth to the social media hashtag #JusticeForThumper.

Thumper was taken to a local veterinary clinic for treatment and was expected to survive the ordeal.

Walker was booked into the Charlotte County Jail following his arrest.

Photos courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office