Authorities are investigating a shocking animal abuse case in Santa Barbara County.
Some 20 plus rabbits were abandoned near a dumpsite north of Los Olivos, in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Jan Glick, the Director of Director Of Santa Barbara County Animal Services, says 14 rabbits were rescued, but six were found dead.
The rabbits faced 100 degree plus temperatures, as well as predators as they tried to fend for themselves in the wild.
Glick admits what’s most upsetting is that the owner could have just brought the rabbits to a shelter, saying that’s why the shelters exist. Animal Services is looking for possible witnesses.
Glick says the rabbit rescue group Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter has played a key role in the rescue effort, as well as caring for the abandoned rabbits.