VIRGINIA -- Animal Control officers removed more than 90 rabbits from what they called deplorable conditions in a Wolfsnare Road (2113 Wolfsnare Road, Virginia Beach, VA) home Thursday and Friday, after police responded to a report of a strong odor coming from the property.
Arriving officers could see at least 30 rabbits inside, according to Wayne Gilbert, a spokesman for the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center.
The homeowner gave permission to Animal Control officers in protective suits to go inside and remove 78 rabbits, many of which were living among fecal matter, trash and dead animals, Gilbert said. The next day, 15 more rabbits were found.
Workers added they could only open the door a few inches because of the amount of debris on the floor.
"You see the fecal material and the trash, and it's very easy to see so many rabbits piled up into one area because you see so many faces and eyes looking back at you," said Gilbert.
Five of the rabbits were dead, and two others were in such poor condition, they had to be euthanized, he said. [Two dead rabbits were lying on a bed]
Officers also found two unidentified animal carcasses - possibly dead opossums - in the house, Gilbert said.
Tegwen M. Davis, 60, was charged with three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and two counts of improper disposal of a deceased animal.
The remaining rabbits will be examined by the city veterinarian and placed for adoption at the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center, Gilbert said.
There are no legal restrictions on the number of rabbits that people can keep in their homes, Gilbert said. [NOTE: Even though they may not have restrictions, people are bound by the law to provide the animals with humane and sanitary living conditions as well as being required to provide needed veterinary care.]
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| Many of the rabbits are available for adoption. |
The seized rabbits were taken to the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center where they were examined by the city veterinarian. The shelter reports two rabbits had to be euthanized because of their medical condition.
The cost to adopt a rabbit is $15. The animals can be picked up at the shelter located at 341 South Birdneck Rd in Virginia Beach. They could be ready for new homes as early as Saturday morning.
(The Virginian-Pilot - March 17, 2012)
