At least five wild rabbits have been shot with blow darts in Aurora in the last month, one of them fatally, and city officials are searching for the suspect.
Four rabbits were shot between July 15 and Aug. 15, near East Glasgow Place and South White Crow Way, according to an Aurora news release. That’s near Southlands in southeast Aurora.
A fifth rabbit was found injured Tuesday afternoon in the same area, Aurora officials said.
“Just because an animal isn’t a traditional pet, doesn’t mean we won’t look out for their well-being,” Animal Control Officer Lucas Barr stated in the release.
The darts cause internal bleeding and leave the rabbits open to infection and severe pain before they die from their injuries, Barr said.
Investigators have not identified a suspect, but said the person responsible may be charged with animal cruelty and face fines or jail time.
Anyone with information on the incidents, the suspect or any new rabbits shot is asked to contact Aurora’s Animal Control Dispatch at 303-326-8288. Tips with photos can be emailed to animalprotectiondispatch@auroragov.org.
