The rabbit was left with five puncture wounds after being shot with bow and arrow on Waiheke Island. Photo / Supplied
The rabbit was left with five puncture wounds after being shot with bow and arrow on Waiheke Island. Photo / Supplied
A rabbit has been left with puncture wounds after it was shot with arrows five times.
Waiheke Island SPCA is seeking information that could lead them to the owner of a bow and arrow set.
Michell Hopkins, Waiheke SPCA centre manager and welfare inspector, said a local found the rabbit"running around with an arrow stuck through it" about 8.30pm on Monday in the Church Bay Rd/Mako Rd area.
Hopkins said a vet brought the" very tame" rabbit into the SPCA this morning.
The welfare inspector said she had no idea why anyone would do something like this.
"Hilary" the rabbit is on medication and antibiotics, and will be adopted out when she recovers.
"To the person who did this, what were you thinking? How do you think this animal felt? It's a living creature, it feels pain, and you caused it."
Hopkins said this kind of cruelty was a reminder to people to be vigilant in their neighbourhoods.
"Keep your eyes open to animal abuse and cruelty. We want to know. This is particularly worrying for us, because we don't know if this person is living here...There could be a lunatic running around with a bow and arrow."
No owner has come forward to claim the injured rabbit, which Hopkins believes is a good reason to encourage microchipping.
To contribute towards Hilary's care and medication, Waiheke SPCA is accepting donations to account number: 02 0100 0530359 00, with "rabbit" as reference.
