Rabbit-swinging man says he was trying to show animal off

SPCA inspector Vicki Border with the rabbit who was rescued by police after allegedly being swung around by his ears by a man on Queen Street. Photo / Natalie Slade

An Auckland man is today defending accusations that he held a rabbit by its ears and thrust it at passers-by in Auckland's Queen Street before spitting on a police officer who tried to arrest him.

Graham Paul Brown, 53, pleaded not guilty in Auckland District Court to charges of animal cruelty, assaulting police and disorderly behaviour following the incident on February 19 this year.

Security guard Mark Nixon told Judge Greg Davis that he saw Brown holding a lop-eared rabbit by the ears and thrust it at some pedestrians, prompting him to call police.

Police officer Justin Donaldson said he concocted a plan with Mr Nixon and fellow constable Hyung-a Lee to surprise Brown while he was sitting with the rabbit underneath his shirt so the rabbit would not run away.

He said Brown became abusive and twice spat at Ms Lee, hitting her leg on the second occasion.

The rabbit was subsequently picked up by the SPCA and taken back to its Mangere compound.

SPCA inspector Vicki Border told Judge Davis the rabbit was stressed but suffered no physical injury.

Brown is due to give evidence this afternoon.

- NZPA