In late March, two rescues investigated an unlicensed breeding operation housing one hundred and twenty-seven rabbits in the backyard of a private home in Sherman Oaks, California. The rescue groups claim that the breeders were warehousing animals in unsanitary and cruel conditions (see video). “The bunnies were up to their necks in their own urine and feces,” the rescue said. “Some were dying, many had tumors and visible infections. They were all crammed into tiny, filthy, cages, stacked ten feet high, and they couldn’t even move.”

57 of the 127 were rescued by 2 different rescue groups. At least one brought to a rabbit rescue in Northern California has died. She was severely underweight with broken ribs, calcificatin of her spine, and a large mass on her side. 

Los Angeles Animal Services claimed they were making unannounced visits to this facility and that they were giving the breeders the opportunity to clean up the squalor. LAAS also claimed that the owners were willing to surender the remaining rabbits to LAAS, however, LAAS said they did not have room in their shelter system. 

While various rescues begged LAAS to partner with them to rescue the remaining bunnies, LAAS continued to give the breeders time to get rid of the sick rabbits and clean up their cages. The breeders were unwilling to surrender the reminaing rabbits to rescues and LAAS continued to claim that the facilities were acceptable. Brenda Barnette wrote on March 26th, "The rabbits are fine where they are." 

Even though the "rabbits are fine where they are" 5 of them were surrendered to LAAS. One was killed by LAAS, even though an officer communicated to the rescue groups that they would not euthanize any of them. 65 were left on the property. 

On Saturday, April 26th, LAAS officially closed the case and said that the reminaing 40 rabbits have clean cages, food, and water. We want to know where the missing 25 rabbits are. 

The General Manager of the Los Angeles Animal Services should know when a situation is cruel and neglectful. LAAS should gather the evidence (provided by rescue groups) and prosecute accordingly. When animals are missing and unaccounted for, LAAS should be asking where they are and be concerned for their welfare. When rabbits are confiscated and dying after being rescued from a neglectful situation, LAAS should act swiftly and on the behalf of the animals' welfare, NOT give the abusers the chance to clean up the evidence. 

The animals of Los Angeles County deserve a better steward than Brenda Barnette. Find someone for the position who recognizes abuse and neglect when it happens and works with local rescue groups to find loving homes for animals that deserve them. 

Video of the facility:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmpqCSruZFo&feature=youtu.be

Case History:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.695349773836781.1073742012.125339407504490&type=1

LA Examiner Article:

http://www.examiner.com/article/time-running-out-for-easter-bunnies-squalid-la-breeding-facility

**UPDATE** As of this morning, 4/29/2014, Brenda Barnette did not know where the missing 25 rabbits went that she allowed the breeder to "place". She said they could have gone to friends or family members, but has no idea. Leaving the bunnies' lives up to chance IS NOT a better strategy than working with rescues to ensure their safety and joy.