"Peacebunny Cottage" charged with animal cruelty and torture

SAVAGE, Minn. (AP) – Prosecutors have charged the president of a Savage-based rabbit rescue nonprofit with animal cruelty and torture after police discovered nearly 50 dead rabbits in a barn.

The Star Tribune reports police arrived at the barn, dubbed “Peacebunny Cottage” on June 27 to investigate reports of sick and dead rabbits. According to a criminal complaint, they found 47 dead rabbits, scores of rabbits running loose, some that had burrowed into manure, one rabbit with a broken back and a baby rabbit infested with maggots.

Peacebunny Foundation President Stephanie Smith said the animals’ condition wasn’t appropriate. She’s due to make her first court appearance on Aug. 22.