‘Easter miracle’ as stolen bunny Cookie reunited with Burnley schoolgirl
A Burnley schoolgirl has been reunited with her beloved bunny in what her family have described as an “Easter miracle”.
Just days after 11-year-old Casey, a pupil at Rosewood Primary School, made a heartfelt public appeal, her pet rabbit Cookie has been safely returned home following a huge community effort.
Cookie had been taken from the family’s garden in the early hours of April 1, sparking widespread concern after CCTV appeared to show two men stealing the animal.
After an emotional 72-hour search, Casey’s mum said the breakthrough came when a local man got in touch after recognising the bunny.
Rita Cunningham explained that there had been several false leads, including one person who claimed to have bought Cookie and demanded money for his return.
However, the situation took a positive turn when a man contacted the family after reportedly receiving the rabbit from someone locally. The family were able to collect Cookie and bring him safely home.
Speaking after the reunion, Casey said: “Thank you everyone for helping me find Cookie. I am so happy now that he is home he is enjoying lots of snuggles.”
Her mum added: “This is a true Easter miracle. We can’t tell you how relieved we are.
“I knew there was little chance of getting Cookie back from the moment he was taken, but I couldn’t watch Casey so distraught and not try everything I could.
“From sharing posts on social media to reporting it and making people aware, it has all been key to getting Cookie seen.
“It’s truly amazing what you can do when we all work together.”
She also thanked the Burnley community and local groups for helping spread the word. After what she described as the “longest 72 hours”, Cookie is now back home recovering; and enjoying plenty of attention.