Lawrence police are investigating the killing of Melvin, a lop-eared rabbit.

A woman reported she arrived Wednesday at her home in the 1200 block of West 21st Street. There she found that her roommate, a 22-year-old man, and a 24-year-old friend had placed the home’s pet lop-eared rabbit, Melvin, in a plastic bag in an attempt to kill the animal.

When that didn’t work, the pair tried to break the rabbit’s neck and cut it, according to a report. The rabbit was taken to a veterinarian but didn’t survive. The roommate’s explanation, according to a police report, was that he didn’t think he could care for the rabbit anymore, so he was going to eat it.

The woman reported the incident to police Friday as a case of animal cruelty. Police spoke with the suspect over the phone, but as of Monday, no citations had been issued.