Cleveland APL rescues 92 rabbits found living in overcrowded, filthy outdoor hutches

CLEVELAND - Dozens of rabbits were rescued by the Cleveland APL after they were found living in overcrowded and filthy outdoor hutches.

When they arrived to the home, humane investigators found the 92 rabbits in enclosures with little or no ventilation, and without food or water.

The food and water bowls were filled instead with urine and feces, as were the rest of the enclosures, APL workers said.

Hutches that are meant to house two to four rabbits had between 18-25 rabbits in them. The rabbits were emaciated and several were injured as a result of their living conditions, according to the APL.

All of the rabbits were brought to the Cleveland APL where they were immediately given food, water, and medical care. Many needed foster care to recover from the malnutrition that was a result of their poor care and living environment, said APL officers.

While some of the rabbits are still regaining their health, over 50 of them are now available for adoption.

"We're proud of the work our humane investigators do to remove animals from cruel and neglectful situations," said Sharon Harvey, president and CEO of the Cleveland APL in a news release. "They are confronted with the reality of animal cruelty on a daily basis and it's a very challenging job. The reward, though, is the knowledge that these animals now have a chance to live a wonderful life. We need adopters to help make that happen; rabbits make great family pets and have wonderful personalities. As a special incentive, our rabbit adoption fee is reduced to only $10 for the entire month of October."

All rabbits are spayed or neutered, come with helpful species-specific animal care information, and a free initial veterinary exam. All adoptable animals can be seen at http://www.ClevelandAPL.org.

You can also call (216) 771- 4616, ext. 0 if you have any questions.