Hunting ‘absolutely not permitted’ in residential neighbourhoods, police warn: Driver charged

York Regional Police are investigating after they say a rabbit was shot and killed in a residential area of Newmarket on July 27, 2025. (York Regional Police/ YouTube)

An Aurora man is facing several charges after a rabbit was shot and killed on a street in Newmarket over the summer.

York Regional Police (YRP) say they identified and charged a 52-year-old man following the incident that happened on July 27 in the area of Glenway Circle and Eagle Street West.

Police say video surveillance showed a driver stopping in front of a residence and firing one shot, “striking and killing a rabbit.” The dead animal was discovered by the homeowner.

“Who knew Elmer Fudd lived in Aurora?” YRP posted to social media, along with an update about the incident.

Police say they laid several charges, including discharging a firearm in a reckless manner, causing mischief to a property, and hunting without a licence.

“Two things that are absolutely not permitted in residential suburban neighbourhoods: hunting and discharging a firearm. Both are extremely dangerous and reckless,” police state in a Nov. 18 social media post regarding the incident.