New rabbit cheers up family

BY DIANA WORTHY

A stranger's unexpected gift of a new baby rabbit is bringing smiles to the faces of three small children after their pets were killed in an act of cruelty.

The little white bunny was given to Paul and Joanne Walden's children - Jemma, 9, David, 7, and Jamie, 5 - at the end of last week.

Paul Walden says a man called Tim turned up at their home in Seaview Road with several small rabbits and one of them proved too hard to resist.

Named "Purity", the rabbit now sleeps inside the home with family dog Tonto.

The stranger's gift follows the savage slaying of the children's three Flemish Giant rabbits Panda, Boffy, and Cuddles nearly two weeks ago.

The family woke on Friday, November 6 to find all three rabbits had been pulled out of their secured cages on either side of the house and killed in a savage attack.

The corpses had been laid out in a row on the back lawn and had been discovered by nine-year old Gemma.

Oneroa vet Dan Marincas, who performed the autopsy, and SPCA branch manager Rochelle McIntyre said at the time they were shocked by what had happened.

And the family were left traumatised.

A reward of $1,000 is on offer to anyone who can offer information leading to the successful prosecution of the offender.

Meanwhile, the community has rallied round to help the Walden children recover from the slaying.

A special fund account has been set up at Oneroa's branch of BNZ at the request of resident Mandy Brown following donations from islanders wanting to do something for the children.

The fund is being administered by Mandy Brown, Sherryn El Bakary and Herman De Wit.

Mr Walden says the fund will benefit Jemma, David, and Jamie.

He says that may include replacing the Flemish Giant bunnies and a donation to the SPCA or community groups the children are involved with, such as the Waiheke Cubs where Jemma is a leader and the Pony Club.

People can make donations to the Rabbit Fund BNZ account 02-010-0142430-000 online, in person at the island's branch, or by contacting Sherryn El Bakary at Bayleys Real Estate in Oneroa.

Mr Walden says, "We have been flooded with sympathy and support from the community - in person, from letters, by phone, and email.

"The SPCA has fielded many calls from concerned individuals also. We are so grateful that we belong in a positive caring community."

He says the family is confident police will apprehend the offender.

But he says the family is still trying to come to grips with what happened and has been reviewing its relationships and community issues with which it is involved.

He says they had been reluctant to replace the rabbits until the person responsible for the assault had been caught but could not say "no" to baby rabbit Purity.

Mr Walden says he is also grateful to Laser Electrical, which has donated and installed security lights on their home at no cost.

The family is now also looking at installing CCTV cameras.

People with any information about the attack can call Waiheke police on 372 1150.

Alternatively, call Rochelle McIntyre at the SPCA branch on 372 5222, cell phone 0275 395107, or at home on 372 3192.

Ms McIntyre says all calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.

- Waiheke Marketplace