Animal cruelty suspect swung rabbit by the ears, set it on fire, police say
SANTA PAULA, Calif.-- Authorities in Ventura County, California, say a 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after allegedly swinging a rabbit around by its ears then lighting it on fire.
Police in the city of Santa Paula say the suspect, Juan Lemus, told investigators Saturday that the rabbit was already dead when he found it and that he lit a piece of paper on fire, not the animal.
The rabbit was later found in a dirt lot, lying next to a pile of smoldering paper, CBS Los Angeles reported.
The Ventura County Star newspaper reports veterinary technicians at the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center determined the rabbit died of blunt force trauma to the head.
In addition, after being evaluated, Lemus was also found to be under the influence, CBS LA reported.
In additional to felony animal cruelty, Lemus could also face charges including arson, possession of drug paraphernalia and being under the influence of methamphetamine.
It wasn't immediately known if the Santa Paula resident has a lawyer.