"Conditions were awful:" Wisconsin Humane Society seizes 28 rabbits in Ozaukee County

OZAUKEE COUNTY -- The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office was called out for an animal welfare check, and officials found more than two dozen rabbits in terrible conditions on Wednesday evening, December 30th.

"When I got there it was pretty scary. The structure that they were in was actually falling in. It wasn't structurally sound and it was really dark. There wasn't lighting. It was very cold. The conditions were awful. The feces was piled in places two to three feet deep. One of the rabbits was deceased," said Angela Speed with the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Humane Society officials say they received a call from the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday afternoon. Officials with the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they are investigating in this case.

28 rabbits were rescued alive.

We’re told the animals were living in a dilapidated barn in wire cages.

None of the animals had food or water.

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Speed says they moved quickly to bring 22 of the rabbits to the Wisconsin Humane Society's Ozaukee campus and six others were taken to the Milwaukee campus.

"I can't remember in my nearly 10 years with the Humane Society a rabbit seizure quite like this where there was such a large volume of rabbits that are seemingly of the same breed. We believe them to be French Lops. They're very large rabbits -- 10-pounders," said Speed.

When the rabbits were rescued, they were in small cages with no food or water. Now they are on the road to recovery.

"There is one rabbit who has some sort of condition where his head is twisted almost. They are all being met with basic needs -- your fresh water, Timothy Hay, rabbit pellets, toys, wood and comfortable housing," Speed said.

Speed says it already appears to be making a difference.

"Just to see them comfortable and safe is really a great thing," said Speed.

The rabbits were visited by the vet on Thursday. They are still considered seized at this point -- so they are not up for adoption.

Speed says if you would like to help at this point, the Humane Society needs supplies for them -- like water bottles, Timothy Hay and rabbit pellets.