Lake Country rabbit sanctuary facing $75,000 fine for animal neglect

A well known Lake Country animal sanctuary has been hit with animal cruelty accusations from the BC SPCA which could lead to a $75,000 fine, two years imprisonment or a lifetime ban from owning animals.

Warren Peace Bunny Sanctuary was established in 2005 and is owned and operated by Antoinette Monod.

Throughout its 20 years of operation, the sanctuary has provided a home to a range of neglected and mistreated animals.

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However, the BC SPCA says that its officers found a number of animals in distress when they responded to a compliant about the animals in the sanctuary’s care

Following their inspection, the SPCA sent notices to the sanctuary telling them they needed to relieve the animals of their distress.

Despite this, the SPCA says its concerns persisted. As a result, it obtained search warrants and removed 85 animals including rabbits, cats and wildlife.

Several additional animals were surrendered to the SPCA in critical distress and had to be euthanized. A dozen more were taken directly to their veterinarian for euthanasia.

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The SPCA is now recommending charges against the sanctuary related to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Meanwhile, many volunteers, friends and locals are coming to the defence of Warren Peace.

One longtime volunteer, Jay Blackstone, created an online fundraising campaign demanding justice for the sanctuary and to cover the cost of a lawyer’s retainer fee for Monod.

“Those who know and love Annie (pretty much everyone who knows her loves her — you will never find a bigger, kinder heart) know that of all the people in the world, she is the last to cause any animal harm,” Blackstone wrote on the page.

Blackstone alleges that Monrod was falsely accused of animal abuse by the BC SPCA.

“I would dearly love to go into detail about what transpired but on the advice of the lawyer, I cannot,” Blackstone said.

“If you love animals and love the people who dedicate their lives to rescuing them and giving them a safe home; not only thinking about their physical lives, but of their emotional lives as well (including social groups and other friendships), and mostly, if you believe in justice, please consider donating to this fund.”

In just three days the donation page has amassed over $4,000 from supporters. 

You can find the online fundraiser here.

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