Four New Mexico deputies fired after viral video shows them terrorizing a baby bunny

Last week, four deputies from New Mexico were dismissed following a lengthy investigation into a disturbing viral video. The footage depicts officers passively standing around and cruelly mistreating a tiny baby rabbit they found on the road. The rabbit, no larger than a grapefruit, was subjected to threats, harassment, and physical abuse by the deputies.

The video prominently features Deputy Alejandro Gomez, 28, who is seen threatening a coworker with a taser before brutally throwing the rabbit against the side of a patrol vehicle. Other officers are heard laughing and urging Gomez to “let him hold it” while the animal is at risk. Gomez tries to persuade the others to hand the rabbit over to him, eventually grabbing it and grinning before launching it at the cruiser with force.

Throughout the recording, Gomez can be seen smiling and taunting the animal. On camera, he insists, “I won’t throw it,” but then follows by throwing the rabbit as other officers express concern, telling him, “Don’t f–king kill it.” Gomez’s actions sparked outrage once the video resurfaced, leading to his suspension and criminal charges in February, including four counts of assault on a police officer and one of animal cruelty.

While Gomez was placed on leave, the other three officers involved in the incident were immediately dismissed from their positions. The sheriff declined to comment on further details but confirmed the termination of their employment. The disturbing footage has drawn widespread condemnation for the deputies’ callous behavior toward the defenseless animal.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about misconduct and the treatment of animals by law enforcement officers.