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3TV, FOX 10, ABC 15, & more: AHS & Gilbert Police Department Rescue 166 Rabbits from Horrific Conditions
News Highlights:
- On Friday, August 23, AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technician™ and Animal Cruelty Investigation team assisted the Gilbert Police Department on an animal cruelty case involving 166 rabbits living in horrific conditions.
- It is suspected that the owner was breeding rabbits as a hobby to sell and to potentially butcher for meat. They were kept in a shed with six-eight inches of feces covering the cages. In addition to unsanitary living conditions, the rabbits were lacking basic medical care, many suffering from ear infections, hair loss, ocular/nasal discharge and open wounds on their feet from rusty wire cages.
- While the case remains ongoing with Gilbert PD, AHS was awarded custody of the rabbits and will now begin spaying and neutering all of the rabbits for placement, which will likely take several weeks to complete.
- AHS is encouraging anyone who is interested in adopting to please call its Pet Resource Center at 602.997.7585 ext. 3800 to be added to a list to be notified when the rabbits are available. In addition, some of the rabbits will go up for adoption at various PetSmart locations around the Valley and several AHS rescue partners. This endeavor would not be possible without the help of our partners and the community for which we are extremely grateful.
- In 2018, AHS’ Animal Cruelty Investigation team responded to more than 7,400 cruelty investigations.
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Arizona Humane Society rescues 166 rabbits kept in ‘horrific’ conditions
Arizona Humane Society workers and Gilbert police officers removed 166 rabbits living in “horrific” conditions inside a shed with 6 to 8 inches of feces covering their rusted wire cages on Aug. 23.
The rabbits also lacked basic medical care, with some having ear infections, discharge from the eyes and nose, hair loss and open wounds on their feet, officials said.
Gilbert Police didn’t identify the rabbits’ owner or say whether criminal charges could be filed.
The Humane Society said it, along with Gilbert police officers, spent five hours removing the rabbits from their cages and took them to the group’s headquarters, where they were examined and treated. One of the rabbits died.
KTAR
Gilbert Police Department, Arizona Humane Society rescue 166 rabbits
PHOENIX — Gilbert Police Department and the Arizona Humane Society recently rescued 166 rabbits living in deathly conditions near Warner and Gilbert Roads.
The rabbits, who were found Aug. 23, were likely bred for sale and to butcher for meat.
They were living in a shed with six to eight inches of fecal matter covering the cages and rusty wiring.
The animals suffered from a number of conditions, including ear infections, ocular and nasal discharge and open wounds.
The non-profit sent in a nine-member team that spent over five hours removing the rabbits and transported them for medical evaluations.
One of the rabbits did not survive.
While under the care of the AHS Veterinary Clinic, five to seven spay and neuter surgeries will be performed each day, taking several weeks to complete.
Rabbits will be available for adoption likely toward the end of next week.
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