Humane Society members are still investigating a shocking case of animal neglect.
RCMP in Meadow Lake were called to an abandoned house in the area about two weeks ago by neighbor Barb McAdam. McAdam says she was curious about the dilapidated shed she passed every day, and decided to take a look. She never expected to find a room full of abandoned and mutilated rabbits left to starve in their cages.
Around ten of the rabbits were dead, most mutilated. There were also several cats left to fend for themselves, and five rabbits still alive. McAdam says they were little more than bones. She called the Humane Society and the RCMP right away, and the remaining animals were seized.
Cpl. Kim Goubeil says the house isn't occupied anymore. "The house had been abandoned. We learned through our investigation that the owner had since moved away to a location in the City of Meadow Lake."
Officials are now investigating whether criminal charges should be laid against the owner. The Humane Society alleges that the owner had a relative coming to feed the rabbits for a while, but that person hadn't been around the property in some time. McAdam says, if that's true, it's not right.
"They should have had more responsibility in taking care of the animals or turning them into the SPCA, because they're just like humans, like us too," says McAdam.
The Humane Society has found the surviving rabbits a new home. Sally Grigo, a clerk at the RCMP station brought them home to her family. "They're fed oats and alfalfa and rabbit pellets, and given water every day, and we let them out on a dog run so they are on the grass. They have a really good home."
While these rabbits are doing well, the others were not so lucky. Officials say the owner will likely face cruelty to animal charges.
