Authorities are investigating after dozens of animals – said to be rabbits – were reportedly found at a home in Toms River.
Police, the fire department, Animal Control and Berkley Hazmat Team are on scene.
Witnesses on scene saw Hazmat team members gear up and walk to a shed in the rear of the home where the animals are reportedly being held.
An official told TLS approximately 30 animals were discovered. It is unknown if they are all alive.
Developing story.
UPDATE: Police say Officer James Colline responded to Harrison Road on a referral from Toms River Animal Control regarding rabbits in the back yard of the home.
Officer Colline checked the property and found approximately 22 rabbits in the backyard and a shed on the property.
Due to the condition of the shed, Berkeley Hazmat was called to assist in removing the rabbits.
The investigation is on-going at this time. The rabbits are being relocated to the Toms River Animal Shelter for care.
“Officer Colline is one of our HLEO (Humane Law Enforcement Officers) officers that investigate neglect and cruelty to animals,” police said.
Also assisting with the investigation are the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Health Department.
How did this ‘pet owner’ break the law is it illegal to have bunnies?! this post is extremely vague on what the issue was…
There were more than 20 rabbits in horrible conditions-the hazmat ppl had to be hosed down every so often because as they handled the rabbits they became so covered in the disgusting waste that the rabbits had to live in that they needed to be cleaned before continuing.