Arrest of Deputy Over Animal Cruelty Incident Involving Baby Bunny

A deputy from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico has been taken into custody on charges of animal cruelty after a disturbing incident involving a baby bunny. Bodycam footage from August 16, 2024, shows Deputy Alejandro Gomez demanding that another officer hand over a small rabbit found on a rural road near Hachita, close to the Mexican border.

The officer who initially found the rabbit believed Gomez intended to kill the animal and only surrendered it after Gomez threatened him with a Taser. Witnesses at the scene recorded Gomez laughing and smugly before violently throwing the defenseless bunny against a police vehicle with considerable force. The animal was subsequently found injured and unable to survive, prompting another deputy to euthanize it to prevent further suffering.

The footage further reveals Gomez assuring others he would take care of the bunny, swearing on his children’s lives he wouldn’t harm it. Moments later, Gomez grinned as he prepared to throw the animal, highlighting the callous nature of the act.

Gomez faces multiple criminal charges, including four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and one count of extreme cruelty to animals. He has been placed on paid leave until the case concludes, though internal investigations reportedly found little disciplinary action was taken against involved officers or supervisors.

Gomez’s attorney has defended his client, claiming the incident was an internal matter that shouldn’t have escalated to criminal charges, and stated they are awaiting evidence from the prosecution. Past allegations suggest Gomez had previously pointed his Taser at a colleague amidst a dispute and, after the bunny’s death, was seen standing behind another deputy while allegedly pointing his firearm at the officer’s back—an act he described as testing his equipment.

The case has drawn public outrage over Gomez’s actions, with critics condemning his behavior as deeply callous and unjustifiable.