Now, let's look at this in a sort of news article time line.
The First Article
This article gave me pause the moment I saw it in my news feed. I knew right then that not only would this woman be having issues about the rabbits, but that the maniacal fervor of the RARAs would overwhelm local authorities and cause the rabbits to be seized. They live on a dirt lot, are fed pellets as a primary food source and are allowed to *gasp* live like rabbits!! How cruel!! Don't they know that those rabbits are actually tiny people under those fur suits?! There were claims that the rabbits were escaping to eat chicken wings, that they were not being fed, that there were dead rabbits all over the place... Not that there was any proof of these things other than what someone said - no pictures, no videos... Just some pics and videos of well fed rabbits equipped to handle the cold - especially this year, which is by and far warmer than last!
The Next Article
Less than 2 weeks later, the pressure is too much for the authorities, and the colony is investigated. Of course it is, the squeaky wheel always gets the grease. Please note that this article is from the same website as the original article... How quickly they change their tunes. First, the colony of rabbits was cute and unusual, now it is neglect and cruelty. The owner formerly whimsical and quirky, now a hoarder and abuser. The reason for the investigation? "The numbers could overwhelm the owner." Not are, no, it's not a current issue, but these people obviously know the owner well enough to decide what HER personal limit is, to decide HER budget for caring for the rabbits. They label her a hoarder and abuser because she cares for them in a different manner than they do. The rescues, who approach with dollar signs and glory dreams shining in their eyes, are deemed heroes by the author, they're labeled the rescues despite their desires to bring extinction to the animals they claim to love. The author must be forgiven, however, as they call the rabbits "cottontails" and state that the owner is breeding cottontails to have miniature hare traits. Of course, if these rabbits really were cottontails, there should not be an issue of them being housed outdoors, as cottontails are distantly related to the domestic rabbit, and are unable to interbreed with domestic rabbits.
The Third Article
And now, of course, the seizure. To me, this seems trumped up. The rabbits were "running around in the snow unable to gain shelter from the inclement weather"? Have you ever heard the expression "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink"? Photos of the area show shelters available, as well as burrows dug by the rabbits and areas that they could possibly hide in if required. Perhaps the rabbits were running around in the snow because they wanted to. Because they were enjoying themselves. But no matter - I'm sure the RARAs have quite a number of pet psychics in their ranks, and I've heard that they can do readings even over the phone, so... And not one but TWO 911 calls were placed concerning these rabbits?! I hope the people calling were charged for misusing an emergency line, because that's just not right at all. 911 is for EMERGENCIES, not rabbits running around in the snow. The first call to report the rabbits were out, the 2nd call to report that she hadn't complied to an order to take the rabbits into her home. Obviously someone was watching her and listening to what was going on... So at 10pm, in what was apparently too bad of a storm for the rabbits, the police were out rounding them up. They've been turned over to Animal Control, and who knows if they will be returned to their owner, or if the owner will be charged. The owner did state that some rabbits remained(obviously there was shelter there, if they weren't captured, eh?)
The Most Recent Article
And 2 days after the raid? Begging for donations. Need hay, supplies, money... No mention of feeding the rabbits pellets, however, no preferential brand that the rabbits are accustomed to. How many more days before evidence is produced that these rabbits are starved, sick, injured? How long does it take for a fat rabbit to become a skinny rabbit because they're not being fed the proper diet? How long before "respiratory issues" ensue because these rabbits are used to roaming free outdoors in the fresh air and are now confined to cages indoors, where the air is hot and still and will irritate the delicate nasal passages, or the ammonia build up in the housing area affects them? How long before they show up to seize the remaining rabbits and charge the woman with cruelty and neglect? My hope is never, my guess is not long.
All in all, despite not really having an opinion how the woman cared for her rabbits(different isn't wrong, different is just different, it's not how I would do it, but they seemed fed and cared for...), I think this should be a learning experience for all owners. It's sad to say, but it is best for those of us who are NOT RARA's to avoid any sort of publicity like this - do not talk to the news, they will twist your words and cause the masses to become enraged. Do not expose yourself like this woman did, as it simply allows the RARAs to get that wedge in there, and to start prying away, attempting to find the cracks that will bring you down. Keep your head down and erect solid fences, and do not allow strangers onto your property.