Photo/Illutration Okunoshima in Hiroshima Prefecture is nicknamed “Rabbit Island” for its large population of rabbits, which are kept to draw tourists to the area. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

KURE, Hiroshima Prefecture--A man was given a suspended sentence on April 14 for brutal acts of animal abuse, including kicking and using scissors to impale rabbits, on a popular tourist island in Hiroshima Prefecture.

The Kure Branch of the Hiroshima District Court sentenced the 25-year-old man to one year in prison, suspended for three years, for violating the animal welfare laws.

Prosecutors had sought a one-year prison sentence.

The defendant was convicted of killing one rabbit and injuring six others during visits to Okunoshima island in Takehara city on Jan. 9 and 21.

According to the ruling, the defendant’s disturbing acts included stomping on the rabbits’ heads, breaking their legs, and inserting scissors into their mouths and twisting the blades.

“The violence inflicted on the rabbits posed a serious threat to their lives, and the image of them suffering under unprovoked aggression is heartbreaking,” the presiding judge said.

The judge described the man’s motive of “wanting to see the rabbits’ reactions” as inexcusable.

However, the court suspended the sentence, citing the considerable social sanctions the defendant has already faced, including extensive media coverage of his actions and the loss of his job.

The defendant, who was living in Otsu when the attacks occurred, admitted to the allegations after his arrest. He does not intend to appeal the verdict, according to his lawyers.

According to prosecutors, the suspect's actions were influenced by online videos that depicted the butchering of game rabbits.

He had been on leave from work since September, saying he was stressed out by mounting pressure from his boss.

Okunoshima, a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, is known as the site of a poison gas factory of the imperial Japanese military.

But in recent years, the island has drawn thousands and thousands of tourists because of its many rabbits.

According to the Environment Ministry, about 500 rabbits inhabit the island. Over a two-month period starting in late November, 99 dead rabbits were found.

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