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DENVER (KDVR) Officials in Colorado are looking for a suspect who is shooting blow darts or a blowgun-style weapon at wild rabbits, injuring several and killing one.
The city of Aurora said a suspect could face charges after animal control officers had received at least five reports of injured rabbits after being hit with blow darts or a blowgun-style weapon, with one rabbit dying.
These incidents reportedly took place between July 15 and Aug. 15, near the intersection of East Glasgow Place and South White Crow Way, in the Southlands area, according to the city. The most recent incident was reported on Tuesday.
Rabbit shot with blow dart (Courtesy of Aurora Animal Services) Rabbit shot with blow dart (Courtesy of Aurora Animal Services) Rabbit shot with blow dart (Courtesy of Aurora Animal Services)
Lucas Barr, an animal control officer, said these darts are causing internal bleeding and infections that can cause severe pain and death.
“Even though they are injured, they can still evade us officers when we try to go down and get them,” Barr said. “Unfortunately, they can hit an organ or cause internal bleeding, which will lead to the animal dying, and it’s not a non-painful way to go.”
The city said it’s possible the suspect could face criminal charges of animal cruelty, and if they’re found and convicted, they could face fines and/or jail time.
“Just because an animal isn’t a traditional pet, doesn’t mean we won’t look out for their wellbeing,” said Barr in a press release. “These darts cause internal bleeding as well as infection that can cause severe pain before the animal will succumb to their injuries. Deliberately harming an animal is something our agency takes seriously, and we will investigate it thoroughly.”
The city is asking anyone with new information or anyone who finds a similarly injured or dead rabbit to call the Animal Control Dispatch line at 303-326-8288, option six, instead of the Aurora Police Department. If you can’t speak with anyone directly, the city said to leave a detailed message.
Callers can remain anonymous, and tipsters with photos, if applicable, should email animalprotectiondispatch@auroragov.org.
“You need to stop,” Barr said. This is a painful, cruel thing to do to animals. You can’t do that.”
