MIAMI, April 9 (UPI) -- A 9-year-old New Port Richey, Fla., girl was handcuffed and taken away in a police car on charges of stealing a rabbit and a small amount of money.
The St. Petersburg Times said a Pasco County sheriff's deputy read the girl her rights after the arrest.
Police said the girl, who began to cry during questioning, admitted taking the rabbit from a neighbor's home, but denied taking $10 and some change.
"Someone entered a residence without permission and stole money and a pet rabbit. That's burglary," said Pinellas County sheriff's spokesman Kevin Doll.
"I don't know what other explanation you need. Nine years old is enough to know right from wrong," Doll said.
Homeowner Lori Ventura, the mother of the child who owns the rabbit, said the unidentified girl has been involved in other incidents.
"This little girl needs help, and she needs to be in the system to get help for a long time," Ventura said.
