Philadelphia, PA (March 2, 2021) – It’s not just about cats and dogs. The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team rescued a total of 47 rabbits from a property in Lancaster County on Monday, March 1, over concerns for their welfare.
Acting on a tip from a Good Samaritan concerned about the condition of the rabbits, the PSPCA’s team removed 47 rabbits from the property on Church Road in Ephrata due to untreated medical conditions of the animals, as well as the unsanitary conditions of their cages. Many of the rabbits rescued were babies, including several days-old newborns.
The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team arrived at the property on Monday morning, and were still removing rabbits from the property into the late afternoon hours. A number of the rabbits rescued were found to be suffering from untreated ear infections, including painful crusting and scabbing. In addition, the animals were found to be living in filth, with cages overflowing with excrement.
All rabbits from the property were brought to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters to receive further diagnostics and treatment by the organization’s hospital staff. All of the rabbits were surrendered to the Pennsylvania SPCA, and the organization will soon begin finding a combination of rescue placement and adoptive homes for them.
Approved rescue organizations are encouraged to reach out to the Pennsylvania SPCA immediately. Those rescue organizations not yet approved can fill out this form to begin the process: pspca.org/rescue
“So often our large scale rescues involve dogs and cats, but it is important to note that our cruelty work extends to animals of all kinds, big and small,” said Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA. “Whether it is chickens, ducks, goats or in this case, rabbits, when animals are in trouble, our Humane Law Enforcement team will be there. Now, we begin the work of ensuring that for the rest of their lives, these bunnies are happy, healthy and loved.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.
About the Pennsylvania SPCA
Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered at 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, has been dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. The Pennsylvania SPCA's lifesaving programs for animals include a low-cost veterinary clinic, low-cost spay and neuter services, pet adoption facilities, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department. For more information about adopting, donating or volunteering, please call (215) 426.6300 or visit www.pspca.org.
