Rabbit swinger pleads not guilty

A man who allegedly swung a live rabbit at pedestrians in downtown Auckland pleaded not guilty to three charges in court today.

Graham Paul Brown, 53, appeared in Auckland District Court charged with animal cruelty, assaulting police and disorderly behaviour.

Brown was remanded on bail and will reappear on May 10 for a status hearing.

Auckland SPCA inspector Vicki Border said the rabbit, which they have named Larry, appeared to have escaped injury but was stressed.

Ms Border believed the rabbit was somebody's pet.

- NZPA