Rabbit neglect - 26 seized
Gonzales, CA (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Dec 23, 2004
County: Monterey

Disposition: Not Charged

Abuser names unreleased

About two dozen rabbits rescued from a waste-filled cage in a Monterey County Gonzales-area back yard will be offered for adoption by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Monterey County.

An SPCA officer seized 26 rabbits after a landlord alerted health and humane officials about the animals' deplorable living conditions, officials said.

The rabbits, which were being raised for food by their owner, were living in an 8-by-8-foot cage, in which feces and urine were 18 inches deep, SPCA spokeswoman Lisa Hoefler said.

Though the animals appear to have been well-fed, many have bite scars on their ears and urine scalds on their feet.

The rabbits' owner was in Mexico and agreed to surrender the animals by telephone with the SPCA. The cage was at the home of his relatives.

The owner could face animal cruelty charges, but the SPCA investigation is in preliminary stages, SPCA spokeswoman Lisa Hoefler stated.

The animals found to be in good health will be offered for adoption.

For more information call the SPCA at 373-2631 or 422-4721, extension 233.

References

• montereyherald.com - Dec 25, 2004

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