(Links are live)
Update 7/29/2022
Authorities allow a person with multiple counts of animal cruelty including two felony charges to continue operating and owning rabbits. Animal Humane Society press release here
Stephanie Hope Smith is responsible for the suffering and death of 49 rabbits/babies.
If this was a barn full of 47 dead dogs this breeding organization and fraudulent rescue would have most likely been shut down and all animals confiscated. Rabbits are included under the animal cruelty laws and deserve the same respect!
How incredibly outrageous Savage MN officials allow Stephanie Hope Smith to continue owning rabbits while the authorities work with the family to ensure that the organization's founder brings her rabbit population to a more manageable number and is meeting the minimum care standards required by law. Why are the photos of dead decaying, injured and maggot infested rabbits not being released to the public?
It appears the suspect has been allowed to continue running the defrauding rescue with a foster program after 47 rabbits were found dead and decomposing alongside new born bunnies, 2 more suffering rabbits euthanized on the scene in a deplorable barn with 200 rabbits breeding out of control, left without basic food water and vet care.
Please take a moment and call or email Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar and respectfully voice your concerns requesting this case be taken seriously and the charges applied to Stephanie Hope Smith honored. Multiple rabbits suffered and died under the care of Peacebunny Cottage while the family traveled around the U.S. promoting their business and defrauding thousands of dollars from the public while rabbits and baby bunnies lived and died in squalor and crammed in cages of neglect. Are the authorities looking into this fraud?
Stephanie Hope Smith will make her first court appearance in Scott County court August 22, 2022. Considering the circumstances, it is a serious concern the animal cruelty charges may not be taken seriously.
Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar
Email: rhocevar@co.scott.mn.us
Phone: 952-496-8240
Read and Sign the original petition here