A defendant found to have beaten or killed seven rabbits on Okunoshima Island, also known as “Rabbit Island” in Japan, has been sentenced to a suspended one-year prison term. According to Kyodo news agency, 25-year-old Riku Hotta was accused of killing or injuring seven rabbits on the western island of Japan. The decision hearing for Hotta was held today at the Hiroshima District Court, where he was found guilty of mistreating the rabbits by kicking them or inserting scissors into their mouths. Judge Wataru Shimazaki described the actions as “malicious” and condemned them, stating that the defendant had admitted to the charges and reflected on his actions. Hotta was arrested in January on allegations of animal cruelty, after he was seen kicking a rabbit, resulting in its death.

Approximately 500 semi-wild rabbits inhabit Okunoshima Island. The Japanese Ministry of the Environment is considering installing additional security cameras on the island following the recent incident.