Imagine strolling along the sun-kissed streets of Victoria, Gozo’s capital, and coming across an unusual sight. A rabbit, not hopping merrily, but lying still, its four legs snapped like twigs. This was the peculiar scene that greeted a local resident last week, sparking curiosity and concern among the tight-knit Gozitan community.

Maria, a long-time resident of the quiet street where the rabbit was found, recounted her discovery to Hot Malta. “I was out watering my plants when I noticed something odd. There was a rabbit, but it wasn’t moving. I got closer and saw its legs – they were broken, snapped clean.” She immediately contacted the local animal welfare charity, Animal Liberation Malta (ALM), who rushed to the scene.

ALM’s vet, Dr. Alexia Mallia, confirmed the unusual injury. “We’ve never seen anything like this. All four legs were snapped, not just broken. It’s as if something had stepped on them with great force.” The rabbit, now named ‘Hoppy’ by ALM staff, is under their care, undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Initial speculation pointed towards a traffic accident, but the lack of any visible tire marks or nearby roads makes this unlikely. Dr. Mallia also ruled out a dog attack, as the injuries were too precise and clean. “Dog bites would have caused tearing and lacerations, not these neat, snapped fractures,” she explained.

Another theory suggests a bird of prey might be responsible. However, local ornithologist Dr. Joseph Grech dismissed this idea. “While it’s possible for a large bird to cause such injuries, it’s highly unlikely. Birds of prey typically carry their prey, not step on it.”

The lack of clear answers has left the community baffled. Some have started sharing stories of similar incidents, though none have been confirmed. Meanwhile, ALM has set up cameras in the area, hoping to capture any unusual activity.

Hot Malta reached out to the Ministry for Gozo for comment, but they declined to provide a statement, citing the need for more information before making any official remarks.

As the mystery of Hoppy’s snapped legs deepens, one thing is clear – the quiet streets of Gozo may not be as peaceful as they seem. Whether it’s a rare animal encounter or an unknown human intervention, the incident has sparked a sense of intrigue and caution among the island’s residents.

ALM urges anyone with information to come forward. “We need to understand what happened to Hoppy,” said Dr. Mallia. “Not just for his sake, but for the safety of other animals and the peace of mind of our community.”