A New Mexico police officer has been placed on administrative leave following the emergence of a deeply disturbing video that shows him shooting and killing a defenceless pet rabbit.
The incident, which occurred in the city of Española, has ignited fury and prompted an immediate internal investigation by the local police department.
Shocking Footage Sparks Outrage
The video, which rapidly circulated on social media, captures Officer Alejandro Gomez responding to a call about loose animals. The footage shows the officer confronting a tiny rabbit in a resident's garden before drawing his firearm and shooting the animal at point-blank range.
Eyewitnesses can be heard expressing their horror in the background, with one person shouting in disbelief at the officer's extreme and disproportionate actions against such a small creature.
Police Department's Swift Response
In response to the public outcry, the Española Police Department acted quickly. Chief Mizel Garcia confirmed that Officer Gomez has been relieved of duty pending a full internal affairs investigation.
Chief Garcia stated, "We are taking this matter extremely seriously. The actions depicted in the video are not representative of the standards we uphold or the training our officers receive."
Community and Animal Rights Groups React
The graphic video has provoked a strong reaction from local residents and animal welfare organisations alike. Many have expressed shock that a trained law enforcement officer would resort to lethal force against a pet rabbit posing no apparent threat.
Animal rights activists have called for appropriate disciplinary action and renewed training for officers on dealing with non-threatening wildlife and domestic animals humanely.
The case continues to develop as the investigation proceeds, with many calling for transparency and accountability in its resolution.
