Hayward Rabbit Rescue

For Immediate Release
Contact: Erin Williams
Telephone: (510) 970-7575

Rabbit Rescue Group Seeking Help in Cruelty Situation: Rescued Rabbits Awaiting Medical Treatment and Homes

RICHMOND, Calif. (May 24, 2004) – House Rabbit Society (HRS), a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Richmond, CA, is seeking permanent, loving homes for the surviving rabbits rescued on May 12 from a serious neglect/cruelty situation in Hayward, CA. 

HRS volunteers were initially alerted to the situation by an online posting for free rabbits. Upon visiting the home on May 11, HRS and East Bay Animal Advocates (EBAA) volunteers discovered approximately 30 rabbits languishing in a feces-filled backyard enclosure. Food bowls were empty except for feces, and the available water was filthy, full of algae and waste. All of the rabbits were covered in dirt, feces, and mats, and signs of abuse caused by neglect were everywhere. 

The rabbits were kept in an outdoor enclosure with machinery, cans of gasoline, and junk strewn around the property. HRS and EBAA volunteers returned on May 12 with Hayward Animal Services, who determined that the animals should be immediately removed from the residence. Humane officers and volunteers were shocked to discover a large number of dead rabbits in various stages of decay. 

"It was a truly horrifying situation," explains HRS Shelter Director Erin Williams. "There was a huge number of rotting corpses and body parts as well as about 30 suffering survivors. Most of the rabbits were suffering from significant medical problems, including tumors, open sores, shredded or half-eaten ears, eyes that were completely closed from infection, as well as sexually transmitted illnesses. " 

Eight rabbits rescued from this situation are in foster care, receiving much-needed medical attention and awaiting permanent homes. EBAA representative Christine Morrissey states, "One of the rabbits could barely stand, and another has a black, raw growth about the size of a walnut hanging from one testicle. Another rabbit's ears have literally been chewed half off."  HRS foster representative Karen Courtemanche notes, "Although these rabbits have lived in horrific conditions, they have shown since their rescue that they are still willing to trust. With quality medical care, and with gentle, caring humans to help them heal, they will make wonderful companion animals."  

About 20 rabbits are currently at Hayward Animal Services awaiting treatment and release, and the Alameda County District Attorney will be looking at the case next week.  For photos, more information, and updates regarding this case, please visit http://rabbit.org/rabbit-center/hayward_rabbits.html.

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CAUTION: These photos are very graphic and could be extremely upsetting.

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Bunnies at the Hayward Shelter:

Some of the rabbits are being cared for at the Hayward Animal Services shelter.

This handsome boy has a testicular tumor which will be removed during his neuter surgery.

This white bunny is very sweet and will let you pet him. He needs a good molt to get rid of the yellowed fur, and a new home where he will get loving care for the rest of his life.

You can see here how badly tattered and sun bleached their fur has become due to the neglect.

A happy little community of bunnies. They are certainly enjoying the clean surroundings, nice fresh hay, and good food being given to them by the volunteers. Now all they need are loving new homes!

Bunnies rescued from the site:

This poor rabbit's eyes are infected and scarred shut, and her ears have been chewed off. You can also see that her coat is in very poor condition.

This big, white bunny is emaciated, has stained fur, and urine sores on her body.

This bunny was in very weak condition. He has so much scar tissue he cannot even close his mouth. He later died of pneumonia.

This rabbit has a huge growth protruding from his left testicle.

Medical exams being performed by rabbit medical expert, Carolynn Harvey, DVM, and HRS Fosterer, Karen Courtemanche, at HRS Headquarters clinic.

This rabbit appears to have a serious abscess.

A large polyp is growing from this rabbit's uterus.

This bunny's color is really gray. His sun-bleached and urine-soaked fur makes him look yellow.

He looks grateful to have been saved.

This bunny has lesions from syphilis on his nose.

Site where rabbits were rescued (CAUTION these photos are graphic and can be disturbing):

This photo shows the little shed where all the rabbits were housed.

A pile of bones and fur from a deceased rabbit.

A rabbit corpse.

Another unfortunate bunny who did not make it.

To learn how you can add your voice to those seeking prosecution of these neglected rabbits' owners, please contact the House Rabbit Society at (510) 970-7575.