Arizona Humane Society rescues 166 rabbits living in 'horrific conditions' at Gilbert home

GILBERT, Ariz. (FOX 10) - An animal cruelty case is under investigation in Gilbert. More than 160 rabbits were seized after investigators found them living in horrific conditions. They were brought to the Arizona Humane Society where they're recovering and up for adoption.

Photo: AHS

After they got a tip and arrived at the home, investigators say it took them five hours to remove all of the rabbits. They say it's a very unusual case because the rabbits were bred to be butchered for human consumption.

"I've been doing this job for six years and it is one of the worst hoarding cases I've ever seen," said Ruthie Jesus with the Arizona Humane Society.

Rescuers say the rabbits were in a shed with six to eight inches of feces stacked on top of one another. As a result, they were all in extremely poor health.

"There were rabbits with runny noses, open wounds, and ear infections because of the poor conditions," Jesus said.

Humane Society rescuers say the rabbits were bred as a hobby to sell and to butcher for meat. Since the rescue two weeks ago, AHS has been nursing them back to health and they say their health is coming around.

"In a short time, they're coming around really quickly," Jesus said. "They are starting to have positive associations with people."

Next up, AHS is working on spay and neuter surgeries, which they say may take them weeks.

As for the criminal investigation, police say they're filing the paperwork of 166 rabbits. They say when this process is done, they'll file criminal charges if the case warrants it. All of the rabbits will be up for adoption at AHS next week.

If you are interested in adoption, you're asked to call the humane society at 602-997-7585, ext. 3800.