Thirty rabbits dead in home, 20 found alive Canton, OH (US) Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 2, 2003 County: Stark Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Case Images: 18 files available Alleged: » Deborah Cole » Franklin W. Cole

Case ID: 1193 Classification: Hoarding Animal: rabbit (pet) View more cases in OH (US) Login to Watch this Case

At least 30 dead rabbits were found inside a Canton Ohio home on April 2, with another 20 taken out alive, city health officials said. Many of the rabbits were allegedly found with their ears nibbled to near stubs by the other food- and water-deprived rabbits.

Mark Adams of the City Health Department declared that it was "by far the worst case we've seen,".

Adams and Bruce Bixler, also with the Health Department, declared the home at 1837 Hammond Ave. SW an immediate health risk. The home is beyond cleanup, Adams said, and it will have to be torn down.

Health and law enforcement officials said homeowners Franklin W. and Deborah Cole likely will face several criminal charges, including animal cruelty. The Coles were not at the home Wednesday afternoon.

Adams said the corners of the home were filled with more than one foot of rabbit droppings. The bathroom counter and tub were littered with dead rabbits and waste.  There was no electricity or water in the home, according to Adams.

The gas also was to be turned off when an employee looked in the home and reported the conditions to Health Department officials. The Coles had lived in the home for about three years, Adams said.

Ron Sheaks with the Stark County Humane Society said the rabbits probably would be euthanized. Although highly unlikely, some may be considered adoption candidates.

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