A harmless rabbit caused a major security scare at an Australian airport when security officials got all jumpy over an abandoned bag.
The male dwarf rabbit was left behind in a discarded pink Lorna Jane shopping bag inside the female toilets at Adelaide airport on Wednesday night.
Worried travellers alerted the Australian Federal Police and the bomb squad was called in, fearing the ‘suspicious’ bag could be full of deadly explosives.
But when the bag started to move, officers discovered the fury occupant inside.
What’s up Doc? An adorable rabbit (pictured) caused a security scare at Adelaide airport
A concerned member had called police when they saw an abandoned pink Lorna Jane bag (pictured)
AFP Acting State Manager South Australia Commander Brett McCann said the investigation was unusual for police, The Adelaide Advertiser reported.
‘We treat everything in the aviation space very seriously, but our bomb appraisal officers certainly weren’t expecting to find a rabbit in unattended baggage.
‘Thankfully the rabbit is safe and well, and hopefully the owner will be found.’
The bunny was dressed in a red harness with no other identification.
Concerned police officers found the rabbit some shredded carrot to munch on while they waited for the RSPCA to arrive.
The rabbit is now in the care of the RSPCA and police are appealing for information from anyone who may know how the bunny came to be dumped at the airport.
Concerned police officers found the rabbit some shredded carrot to munch on while they waited for the RSPCA to arrive (pictured)
The rabbit (pictured) is now in the care of the RSPCA and police are trying to find its owner
‘AFP bomb appraisal officers were called to investigate an abandoned bag in the toilets at Adelaide Airport,’ they said in a light-hearted statement shared on social media.
‘We had a hunch something might be a bit bunny when the bag started moving. Turns out there was no cause fur alarm, as inside was an extremely cute but wascaly wabbit!
‘Don’t worry, be hoppy, the bunny is in the safe care of RSPCA South Australia and is no worse fur wear. He doesn’t seem to carrot all about all the fuss. Lettuce hop someone can help find out who abandoned him at the hareport.’
Nalika Van Loenen, from the RSPCA, said she had several theories for why the rabbit had been abandoned at the airport (pictured)
‘We’re hoptimistic that someone may know the owner and get in touch.’
Rescue Officer Nalika Van Loenen, from the RSPCA, said she had several theories for why the rabbit had been abandoned.
‘A couple of scenarios came to mind — 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.