Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Michael Gerstein decided Dorota Trec was responsible to pay more than $50,000 in fees to the ASPCA for the cost to care for 94 of her furry friends.
But the lawyer for the organization asked to whether they can put down some of the rabbits if they have an illness.
"None of the rabbits shall be killed," the judge order, adding, "If they die of natural causes that's one thing, but if they need to be euthanized you need a further order."
Trec, 35, had 173 rabbits removed from a tire shop on two separate occasions earlier this year after animal activists filed complaints with the Brooklyn District Attorney's office that she was allegedly abusing the animals.
The rabbits were living outside in a yard at Third Avenue and Ninth Street during the bitterly cold winter.
The rabbits were taken by Animal Control and the NYPD on two separate occasions -- 72 in January and 103 in February. The judge ruled on only the second bunch, which was removed after a search warrant was issued when the first group was found with various ailments. Nine of the 103 rabbits died. The rest of the rabbits still remain under the ASPCA's care.
"They were on top of each other shaking, they looked in a total disarray...72 in 12 cages," said Glorianna Cabasso, a neighbor of Trec who testified at the bond hearing.
The ASPCA housed the rabbits in facilities outside of New York State and paid for veterinarians to care for them.
"Ninety four rabbits at $2 per rabbit each day for 173 days comes to $32,000 through today," the judge calculated.
Another $5,600 was added for the next 30 days plus $16,000 in veterinary services.
The bunnies were diagnosed with syphilis, conjunctivitis and other illnesses. Trec was charged with animal cruelty.
The bunnies' owner and Natalie Reeves, of the activist group Big Apple Bunnies, which exposed Trec, reached a mutual agreement about the "compassionate" judge.
"I admire the judge that the rabbits can't be put down," said Trec outside of court on Thursday.
"I care that the judge ordered not to kill the rabbits. The ASPCA fought more today to kill the rabbits to save them money," said Reeves.
Trec quickly changed her tune about the judge who decided she is responsible for a $50,000 debt. The judge gave her a $4,000 discount.
"The judge has no jurisdiction to rule this way," said Trec as her investment partner Sixto failed to serve a lawsuit to the prosecutor handling her criminal matter.
Trec plans to appeal the judge's decision and continue to pursue a $6 billion lawsuit against Reeves, ASPCA, NYPD and the Brooklyn DA's office, she said.
Approximately 60 more rabbits were born since the seizure.
(New York Daily News - Jul 23, 2015)
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