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BY JASMIN SMITH

Delivery Driver Kills Pet Rabbit by Tossing Package of Dog Food

Last week a delivery driver for the postal service in the Netherlands threw a package with 15 lbs of dog food over the fence of a home in Almere. The package landed on a pet rabbit named Okkie. The animal did not survive the impact.

The owner of Okkie, 41-year old Roeland Vreeswijk, told local media that Okkie was in an outdoor enclosure when he was hit by the package. A neighbor boy heard a loud thud followed by the rabbit's screams. He also saw the delivery driver standing in the enclosure holding the box.

When Vreeswijk returned home, Okkie was still alive but severely injured. At the veterinarian's office, x-rays showed the rabbit's pelvis was shattered. A specialist said it must have been caused by a large, blunt object. They recommended Okkie be euthanized.

The postal service confirmed the incident and said a manager visited Vreeswijk to personally apologize and pay for the veterinary expenses. The driver will also face disciplinary action.

Vreeswijk said he appreciates the sincere response, but is still upset the driver threw the heavy box over a 6-foot fence without looking first. The neighbor and security camera footage helped explain what happened, but Vreeswijk wishes the driver had left a note taking responsibility. Postal workers are under tremendous pressure, but compassion for animals should come first. Hopefully this tragedy will remind all delivery drivers to take extra care around family pets.