Bunnies belong on the farm, in the home, at the petting zoo and cuddling on beds of straw at the Easter parade. One also belongs on the Police Department in Yuba City, California, a small community about 40 miles north of Sacramento.
Lost, scared and wandering the streets last October, Percy (AKA “Hoppy” the Bunny) was found by Officer Ashley Carson. Carson immediately brought him to Animal Services where he received medical attention. Officials were unable to locate an owner for the gregarious hare, so he was adopted by a police services analyst who brought him to the station where he proved to be an instant stress reducer.
Following many months as a morale booster, Percy, was promoted to “Wellness Officer” last Friday, just before Easter.
The YCPD prioritizes the mental and physical health of its officers through its wellness program. Healthier officers, better community relations.
In 2018, the U.S. Congress passed the Law Enforcement and Mental Health Wellness Act, which established resources for federal, state, local and tribal agencies. These include crisis lines, annual mental health checks, expanding peer mentoring programs and ensuring privacy in the delivery of such services. Officer Percy slipped perfectly into the PD’s wellness curricula.
When not performing official duties in his glass hutch or munching carrots, Percy has free rein of the YCPD hallways where he greets fellow officers and department employees. He’s also adept at fashion statements and striking a pose.
“When he doesn’t have the vest on, he has a huge mohawk in-between his ears, it’s cute,” Michelle Brazil, told local NBC affiliate, KCRA News. “He just fit in from day one.”
“Officer Percy lounges at the police department during the day and is a support animal for all,” the department wrote in a Facebook post last Wednesday.
Okay, fur real. Who would defund that face?