Sick rabbits seized; Investigators believe they were to be sold for Easter
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WSLS News Staff
Published: March 11, 2008
Botetourt County prosecutors believe a county farmer was planning to sell dozens of sick rabbits as Easter bunnies at Happy’s Flea Market in Roanoke.
Botetourt County Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Jill Deegan tells us 53 rabbits were seized from a farm, and the rabbits keep having babies.
Deegan says all of the adult rabbits have sarcoptic mange, which is a skin disease caused by a mite. The skin condition can be transmitted to humans.
Link #1 for more information on sarcoptic mange
Link #2 for more information on sarcoptic mange
Deegan says several veterinarians helped in the four week investigation. It started when neighbors called animal control about domestic rabbits in their yards. Animal control officers realized the animals were sick, and seized them. That led the officers to investigate the farm.
The farmer’s name is not being released, nor is the name or specific location of the farm.
The investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed.
The rabbits are at the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection in Roanoke.
Deegan says the rescue group Angels of Assisi will later take the animals to a sanctuary.
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