BRADENTON, Fla. — More than 100 rabbits, 32 of them dead, were found in a Bradenton home, Manatee County officials announced on Thursday.
Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) was called out to the home on at 1518 15th Street West on Thursday morning after they received a complaint Wednesday night about the rabbits being neglected, according to Sarah Brown, the Deputy Director for Community and Veteran Services.
When authorities arrived, they said they found 69 live rabbits, along with the 32 dead rabbits, around the house. The conditions there were described as "deplorable."
The property owner was said to be out of town but was able to be contacted over the phone. A caretaker was there and told authorities that they were "overwhelmed by the current conditions." The owner of the rabbits told officials that they were their pets that they "loved very much."
MCAW took the rabbits to the Bishop Animal Shelter for evaluation and veterinary care, and they're applying for permanent custody of the rabbits.
"Due to the conditions the rabbits were living in, we felt it was most important for the care of those animals to come to the shelter to be evaluated, to receive any medical attention that they might need and just so that they can live a better life," Brown said.
They're also prepared for a potential increase in the number of rabbits in their care as they determine if any of the rabbits are pregnant. The gestation period for rabbits is about 30 days, and Brown explained that although pet owners can be well-intended, rabbits can multiply quickly before "things get out of hand."
"That number could go up exponentially, unfortunately" Brown said.
Eventually, the plan for the rabbits is to get them healthy, spayed and neutered before MCAW reaches out to other rescues and foster parents. Ultimately, the hope is that they can be adopted.