32 rabbits seized by SPCA had been kept in 'filthy,' bug-infested room in downtown Vancouver
Dozens of neglected rabbits were found living in a single, unsanitary and mostly unventilated room in downtown Vancouver, the B.C. SPCA says.
The society said the 32 rabbits had been living in a room inside a residence. It was hot inside, and the only ventilation was from one window left open a few centimetres.
The home "smelled strongly of urine and feces," the B.C. SPCA's senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations said in a news release Monday.
Eileen Drever said that room was "filthy" and the amonia level was high.
"The floor, windowsill and bed were soiled and there were cockroaches and other insects crawling around on all the surfaces," she said.
"Many of the rabbits – who ranged from newborns to adults – had urine-soaked fur."
Rescued rabbits are seen in photos from the B.C. SPCA.
Drever said there was a water bowl for the rabbits, but that it was overturned and empty. There was some hay for them to eat, but it was soaked with urine and feces and unsafe for consumption.
The B.C. SPCA did not say what led investigators to the home, nor did they give an address or any further information, beyond that the rabbits were being bred for sale.
All 32 were taken by the SPCA, and are being cared for in facilities in the Lower Mainland.
They've joined more than 100 rabbits in SPCA care in B.C. Drever said SPCA shelters are caring for approximately 140, nearly twice as many as there were by this time last year.
Many of the bunnies are or will be up for adoption.
Additionally, the SPCA is looking for foster homes, describing the need of these as "urgent."
The profiles of rabbits up for adoption can be viewed online, and those willing to foster the pets can apply through the SPCA's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
These snakes not only fake their own deaths, they use gory special effects to do it
Awards season may be over for human actors this year, but there’s no rest for some of nature’s most audacious thespians.