An Alberta judge sentenced a Calgary man to eight years in prison for maiming and killing rabbits in acts described as 'vile' and 'inconceivable.'
Nicholas Weseen, 32, was found guilty on 10 counts of killing or injuring rabbits, causing unnecessary pain and suffering, and failing to provide adequate care.
The offenses occurred between late October 2022 and January 2023.
During the trial, disturbing details emerged, including that one rabbit named Smokey had its rear right foot amputated with pliers and was left to suffer for days while zip-tied in a milk crate.
Justice Michel Bourque of the Court of King's Bench called the actions 'exceptionally grave' and said the degree of violence against these defenseless animals was extreme.
The judge also imposed a lifetime ban from owning or residing with animals.