Arizona Humane Society, Gilbert Police rescue more than 220 rabbits

PHOENIX – The Arizona Humane Society rescued 227 rabbits from a Gilbert residence Wednesday from a repeat animal cruelty offender.

A team of 11 members from AHS worked with Gilbert Police Department for nearly five hours to remove the animals from the residence near Warner and Gilbert roads.

According to a press release, AHS and Gilbert Police removed an additional 166 rabbits from the same property almost a year ago. That investigation remains ongoing.

Officials believe the owner was breeding rabbits to sell and potentially butcher for meat.

The rabbits ranged from newborns to 3 years of age.

The animals were kept in a shed with six to eight inches of feces covering the cages and lacked basic medical care.

Some rabbits suffered from overgrown toenails, hairlessness or eye and nose discharge.

AHS’ medical team will examine each of the rabbits, who will be held on a 10-day confiscate hold.

Gilbert Police are still investigating the incident.

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