Gilbert Police Department, Arizona Humane Society rescue 166 rabbits

PHOENIX — Gilbert Police Department and the Arizona Humane Society recently rescued 166 rabbits living in deathly conditions near Warner and Gilbert Roads.

The rabbits, who were found Aug. 23, were likely bred for sale and to butcher for meat.

They were living in a shed with six to eight inches of fecal matter covering the cages and rusty wiring.

The animals suffered from a number of conditions, including ear infections, ocular and nasal discharge and open wounds.

The non-profit sent in a nine-member team that spent over five hours removing the rabbits and transported them for medical evaluations.

One of the rabbits did not survive.

While under the care of the AHS Veterinary Clinic, five to seven spay and neuter surgeries will be performed each day, taking several weeks to complete.

Rabbits will be available for adoption likely toward the end of next week.

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