'Bomb' at Adelaide airport turns out to be a rabbit

A rascally rabbit abandoned by its owner at Adelaide airport prompted police to hop to it and call in the bomb squad.

An abandoned rabbit

The abandoned rabbit. Source: RSPCA

The owner of an abandoned rabbit which caused a bomb scare at Adelaide airport is still to be located but animal advocates say they’re caring for the pet with “lots of cuddles” in the meantime.

The rabbit was found inside a pink sports bag in the airport’s female toilets.

The unattended bag caused a security scare with the bomb squad called in by the Australian Federal Police.
The rabbit eating its vegetables.
The rabbit eating its vegetables. Source: RSPCA
They found the furry creature inside the bag, wearing a red harness, before taking it to the RSPCA’s South Australian headquarters.

RSPCA rescue officer Nalika Van Loenen said the pet was well-cared for while the animal welfare group arrived.

“The police had put him in a large box and [got] some carrots from Subway, so he had some fresh shredded carrot to munch on while they waited for me to arrive,” Ms Van Loenen said in a statement.

The owner has yet to be located but officers suspected a number of scenarios as to why it could have been left behind.

“His owner could have been leaving the country and knew by leaving their pet in a populated area he would be found and cared for.

“Or they may have been planning on smuggling him on board a plane, but backed out at the last minute,” Ms Van Loenen said.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA told SBS News on Friday a number of people have come forward claiming to be the owners but in the meantime the pet was receiving “lots of cuddles” from staff where it’s being held.
Rabbit causes bomb scare
Source: RSPCA
The RSCPA was hoping to review airport CCTV to locate the owner.


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By Rashida Yosufzai


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