By Mike Bibb

When I first read this story, I thought it must have been some kind of twisted April Fools prank. — "County Sheriff's Deputy Kills Baby Rabbit," The Beat, May 1.

Apparently, it wasn't, since it happened about eight months ago and is just now being revealed.

I'm not really interested if the deputy involved in the incident is reprimanded, since I assume there will be some kind of disciplinary action taken. Ordinarily, I wouldn't think the willful killing of a baby rabbit falls under the Duties of a New Mexico Deputy Sheriff — unless the little rabbit was already severely injured, appeared diseased or threatening the officers.

From the account of the article, none of these situations seemed to be present. The officer, for some reason, simply decided to throw the tiny rabbit against a Sheriff's vehicle with sufficient force to kill it.

After he said it had no intention of harming it.

So, the natural questions arise: What was the purpose of the deputy performing such a heinous act? Did the rabbit pose an aggressive endangerment to the deputy? Why did it take over half-year to report the Deputy v. Baby Rabbit confrontation?

There has to be a more logical explanation detailing the reasons a 170-pound (estimated example) police officer would intentionally hurl a one- or two-pound infant desert rabbit against the metal side of a patrol car with the premeditated intention of destroying it.

Especially since he was cautioned not to do so. What was his motive and what prompted him to follow through with his aggressive behavior?

Even more bizarre, why would the offending officer pull and aim his taser at the other officer in order to compel him to hand over the rabbit?

If the news story is factual, this whole thing sounds surreal and certainly not a good reflection on the Grant County Sheriff's Office.