Youth admits throwing rabbit in Liffey

A youth has pleaded guilty to an animal cruelty and torture charge after a homeless man’s pet rabbit was thrown into Dublin’s River Liffey last year.

John Byrne, aged 39, who had spent the previous 22 years living on the streets, had been sitting on O’Connell Bridge for 10 days when his pet rabbit Barney was thrown into the Liffey on Jul 3, 2011.

Hundreds watched as he risked his life and went into the river to save Barney; both were rescued by the Dublin Fire Brigade. His rescue of the rabbit was filmed and went viral on the internet with clips on YouTube getting tens of thousands of hits.

Gary Kearney, aged 20, with an address at Conyngham Rd, Dublin, was charged under the Protection of Animals Act.

The charge states that it is alleged he “did cruelly torture or terrify an animal to wit did throw a rabbit into the River Liffey from O’Connell Bridge”.

He also faces a breach of the peace charge. Last month at Dublin District Court, Kearney had denied the charges and the case was set for hearing yesterday. Mr Byrne had turned up, without the rabbit, to give evidence.

However, when the case was called Judge Ann Watkin was told Kearney was serving a sentence. Aine Flynn, defending, said Kearney had not been brought to court but told the judge her client had changed his plea.

Judge Watkin noted that Kearney was now pleading guilty and the case was adjourned for facts to be heard on Dec 4.

The rabbit’s owner, Mr Byrne, originally from Ballyfermot in Dublin, was presented with a compassionate citizen award by the charity Animal Rights Action Network last year.

A supply of carrots for the rabbit and food for Mr Byrne’s dog, Lilly, also came with the award.

“Barney and Lilly my dog are my babies,” he had said afterwards, adding that he would not hesitate in coming to the rescue of his pets.