Ulster County SPCA Executive Director Gina Carbonari and her staff are knee-deep in bunnies, following the non-profit's third large-scale rescue in the last year.

In all, 118 rabbits were rescued from a breeding operation in Ulster County that Carbonari said was deemed unsafe.

“The conditions that they were being housed were unsanitary and unhealthy for the animals,” she said, “which is the reason why we removed them. Some of the rabbits still have stains on their fur from living in their own feces for so long. Some became sick."

What You Need To Know

  • 118 rabbits were rescued from unsafe, unsanitary conditions

  • Several businesses are helping the SPCA blunt the financial impact of caring for so many rabbits

  • The rabbits should be available for adoption in the coming weeks to homes across the northeastern U.S.

On Friday, about half of them were deemed healthy, while the other half were quarantining in a separate room due to a respiratory illness, Carbonari said, adding that tight living spaces can lead to respiratory infections in many animals.

The costs associated with the full-time care of 118 bunnies is a major strain on the facility, which operates solely on donations.

“Over a monthly period, you’re looking at $20,000. It’s what it costs to have this many rabbits that you’re caring for properly,” Carbonari said. “All the proper supplies. All the veterinary care.”

The shelter is getting help with that. Staff members recently took to Facebook to thank local companies for their donations.

Saugertails Pet Supply and Oxbow Animal Health sent hay and chew toys. Staff at the local Hannaford supermarket sent over fresh greens upon learning about the rescue.

As for the bunnies’ long-term future, Carbonari said shelters and rescues around the northeastern United States will help find homes for the rabbits. Many will be available for transport or adoption directly from the shelter in the coming weeks, Carbonari said.

“We’re always looking to make sure they go to a permanent home...We make sure they’re going into some kind of sanctuary lifestyle.”

Two other large-scale rescues by the shelter staff over the last year involved a seizure of a handful of farm animals, and another seizure of 44 roosters from a suspected cock-fighting operation, Carbonari said.