Update (January 12, 2024): The rabbit was brought inside and will remain there for the duration of this cold spell, and his owner has agreed to provide an insulated shelter moving forward. THANK YOU to everyone who spoke up for this animal and to St. Clair County officials for taking action! Click here to speak up for other animals.
Original post:
PETA has learned about a rabbit who’s confined to an open-air hutch without any means of preserving body heat and who will be facing temperatures as low as 3 degrees this weekend. The hutch has only wire on three sides, leaving the animal completely exposed to the cold and wind. Authorities mockingly told PETA caseworkers that “an emergency would be a rabbit eating a person, not a rabbit needing help,” while refusing to send an officer to address this possibly fatal situation. With subfreezing temperatures coming fast, this Caseyville rabbit is at high risk for hypothermia, frostbite, and death unless he’s provided with adequate and insulated shelter or brought indoors for the duration of this cold front.
A photograph reportedly taken at the property
Conditions at the property appear to violate Illinois’ anti-cruelty statute (Section 70/3), which requires that “adequate shelter and protection from the weather be provided for all animals.” With law-enforcement officials refusing to respond, we need your voice!
