"We could tell the bones had been butchered."

This presumably from 'cut marks' on the bones.

So OK it may be unlikely that our Roman solder would have butchered and eaten his pet - but not impossible (if they were hungry enough. But it does not prove that The Romans introduced 'The Hairy Ones' into the wild - just that this one may have come with them.

This one may have been part of a take-away for the boat crossing and ordered from a fast-food outlet on the European Continent. Called possibly Zuebrugge Fried R....? I am sure the Romans are to blame for junk food. I blame that General Saundersus..............

I wonder if the Portland respect and fear of 'Long Ears' does not come from far earlier times and relate to The Hare?