Make no mistake, the Albany of a century ago was a tough town. There was murder, drunkenness, and larceny of all kinds. And there was also at least a little rabbit-related crime, as related in this Albany Evening Journal story from April 11, 1914:
“Coogan Worried Over an Unexpected Easter Gift
“It might be an Easter gift, but Captain Coogan of the third precinct had to detail a commissary to look after a bag of five live rabbits which two unknown men dropped upon the approach of Policemen Metz and Keenan on Third street last night.
“The bunnies are at the station house and being well cared for, but the precinct commander would like to have the man from whose yard they disappeared or were stolen, call on him, and arrange for their care. Policeman John J. Moylan is temporarily in charge of the precinct’s lucky omen.”
On the same page: a dumper of ashes.
“Caught dumping ashes in the gutter on Arch street by Policeman Pitts early this morning Patsey Carmal was taken in custody and arraigned before Judge Brady, charged with violating the city ordinances. He pleaded ignorance of the law, but the magistrate told him that was no excuse and imposed a fine of $5, which Carmal reluctantly forked over to save himself from going to jail.”