Man jumps into Bridge to save pet rabbit

[Deadstring67]

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The homeless man who heroically rescued his rabbit from the Liffey last week was yesterday honoured by the Animal Rights Action Network.

John Byrne, 38, who has lived on Dublin’s streets for the past 22 years, was sitting on O’Connell Bridge when an 18 year old passer-by flung the rabbit into the water. The man has since been charged with a public order offence and animal cruelty.

Mr. Byrne did not think twice about jumping into the river to save his beloved pet as a crowd of onlookers gathered. He and Barney the rabbit were then brought to safety by the Dublin Fire Brigade.

A ceremony was held at the scene yesterday, where Mr. Byrne was honoured with a compassionate citizen award by the animal welfare charity. ARAN director, John Carmody, presented him with a scroll and said of Mr. Byrne, “As I watched the footage of this helpless man saving the life of a helpless animal, tears fell from my eyes and the footage sent a shiver down my spine for such a touching act of kindness.”

Barney was also honoured – with a supply of carrots, while Mr. Byrne’s small Jack Russell cross was given dog food.

There is further good news for John Byrne following his act of bravery, as a Tipperary farmer has offered him a job working with animals and the chance of a roof over his head.

He says that although he is pleased with the offer, Tipperary would be “a bit far” as he has a girlfriend and three children living in Ballyfermot.

Spoiler! 

This daring rescue too place in Dublin's city center on a beautiful July evening. Let me tell you the story of what happed.
A well known and liked homeless man who has fallen upon hard times keeps two pets a small Jack Russell Terrier and a rabbit. They are his companions and rarely leave his side. On this particular evening a young man of 18 decides to commit a horrible act of animal cruelty by stealing the rabbit and tossing in into the river Liffey. The homeless man leaps to the rescue of his beloved pet and braves the tidal river. Miraculously he manages to save the rabbit from drowning but in the process becomes stranded below the bridge. Freezing cold and unable to reach the bank the awaits his own rescue by the Dublin fire brigade.

Half way through the rescue the man is seen scuffling with the rescue team this was down to the fact they were taking him away from the bridge where his dog was waiting.

Reports after the event claim the person responsible for throwing the rabbit into the river was arrested on charges of public disorder and animal cruelty. he is due in court July 21st to face the charges. The homeless man and his pets are fine and can still be seen begging on the streets of Dublin.

The rabbit's name is Bernie and the man's John.

[rodsky]

I bet that 18 year old punk is now smiling and muttering, "See? If I didn't throw your rabbit into the water, you'd still be an unknown 38 year old homeless man. Who you gonna thank now, nigga?"

-RODION

[mindtrickz]

gi honoran ra? walay balay, kwarta, pagkaon, trabaho gihatag? way lami

[rodsky]

gi honoran ra? walay balay, kwarta, pagkaon, trabaho gihatag? way lami

Maayo kung tawo iyang gi save, rabbit ra man. Basin mahatagan siya'g balay, pagkaon ug trabaho sa mga rabbit

-RODION

[shagrath_99]

haha.. grabeha oi.. at least naay job offer para sa homeless man.

[bleedingboi]

Faith in humanity restored...

[jangska]

paytera tawhana. di tanan tao maka buhat ana.

[tikotakz]

choiya uie.. pero sa mactan bridge toh nahitabo sure ko duha2x jud ka. ahhah

[quirkychinita]

animals are people too!

[nice_work]

grabeha, mao man jud iyang gi ambakan... bilib ko aning tawhana dah! ヾ(＠⌒ー⌒＠)ノ