Humane Society rescues 45 rabbits

By Abby Wolf
WARWICK — Walk into the Warwick Valley Humane Society these days and the first thing you see when you enter the rabbit area are cages, floor-to-nearly-ceiling, all filled with rabbits of varying shapes, sizes and colors – the result of a recent situation.
On July 10, Warwick Town Police, followed by members of the Humane Society, rescued 45 rabbits from a home in Warwick.
“There were 42 rabbits confined in 32 cages including two live infants, one deceased, and one loose in the basement plus 3 rabbits loose outside, for a total of 45 seized,” said Suzyn Barron, president of the Humane Society. “We had to wear face masks and gloves due to the overwhelming stench of urine and wet feces and having to remove the rabbits from their cages.”

Growing expense, growing number of animals

Since the rescue, Barron said, medical costs total $3,620. “We expect to reach over $5,000 once we are done spaying and neutering and addressing their ongoing medical issues. This does not include the cost of daily basic care which includes two animal care attendants to clean, feed and medicate, which takes three hours per day.”
That’s not the only thing that has increased. One rabbit gave birth to six bunnies on the way to the shelter, another two gave birth within days - one with four babies, the other with eight.
Of the 63 animals, five have been adopted.
“The Humane Society is looking for adopters who will treat and respect bunnies as indoor pets, (providing them) with proper diet, exercise and interaction, enrichment and socialization,” Barron said. “Indoor rabbits can live up to 10 years are fragile and must be handled carefully.
“Rabbits have not had a true home,” she added, “until we find them their adoptive family.”

The case

Meanwhile, the case is in the hands of the Orange County District Attorney. The suspect has not been identified.
Most likely, he or she will face multiple counts of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison and/or up to $1,000 fine. The charge (N.Y.S. Agriculture and Markets Law, Article 26, section 356) reads: “neglect to supply good and wholesome air, food, shelter and water.”
In addition, the suspect would fall under the purview of Orange County’s Rocky’s Law, which prohibits anyone convicted of or who pleads guilty to animal abuse from owning or caring for any animals for 15 years.
“In my opinion,” Barron said, “in this case, prison is not warranted; however, fines, restitution and a no pet order are.”

Essential information

The WVHS is accepting donations of fresh hay, wee-wee pads for small-to-medium size dogs (used as part of the rabbits’ litter pans), clean, used newspapers, paper towels, and of course, charitable contributions.
The shelter is open 7 days, from noon until 4 p.m. The number is 845-986-2473.
To report animal cruelty, call 845-987-7336.