Below is an article that was mailed out during the early winter of 2003 to those who have adopted a rabbit from Kind Heart Rabbit Rescue, located in Central New Jersey. It was also given to those who have been kind enough to support the rescue with their time or their funds. The article below is re-displayed with permission from Kind Heart Rabbit Rescue.

This is the rescue group that brought Oliver in, took care of his immediate medical needs, socialized him, and then found him a new home.

Today, Kind Heart is rescuing rabbits taken from horrible conditions within a Central NJ slaughterhouse. Now we know that animals and yes indeed some rabbits are brought up for food, but its the conditions of this place and the out right atrocities that are committed against the poor creatures in there makes this a place worthy of investigation and public outrage.

Kind Heart attempting to launch a fight against this place, but the group needs support either with time or with funds in an attempt to close the doors of this hideous place forever. Please contact Kind Heart Rabbit Rescue using the contact information below if you wish to join these efforts. Even if you do not lend a hand, At least you will be aware of the situation that these poor creatures face each day. Please note: Some of what is described below is rather strong and may not be for the faint of heart or suitable for VERY young children.

Kind Heart Rescue and Placement Services - 501(c)3

Jody Caizza 3 Hyacinth Court Cream Ridge, NJ 08514

609-758-7554

E-Mail: K911Rescue@aol.com

Web Page: www.KindheartRescue.com

A Plea For Help

Not too long ago, I was told of a slaughterhouse that keeps their animals in horrible conditions. I was also told that the place had been there for many decades, and though many know of this place, for some reason, it continues to operate in substandard conditions. One day, I stopped in to see for myself. It is even worse than described to me. Chickens, goats, rabbits, sheep, donkeys, and other animals kept in filth. The food they are fed, in most cases is moldy, and the water they are offered is filthy. The animals are kept in over-crowded cages, and in most cases they can’t move more than a step or two before bumping into another animal. I saw stalls with feces two feet deep, with the animals walking on top of the heap. Birds in the rafters overhead, dropping feces onto the animals, and into their food and water. Injured animals, sick animals, some nearly dead.

Animals forced to live in stalls with the pelts of the recently slaughtered. Everywhere is the smell and sight of the blood of the slaughtered.

I “visited” this place a few times to see if the conditions were the same each time I went. They were. One visit after another brought new horrors. The first visit, a rabbit with an eye hanging almost out of the eye socket. Sick animals everywhere, leaning on the “healthier” ones, as they could not stand on their own. The next visit, carcasses of dead animals lying on the barn floor. The “clients” of this place can have their animals slaughtered before their eyes if they wish – although I cannot for the life of me understand why someone would want to eat anything that came out of that place. When someone picks an animal out to buy, the “staff” grabs the chicken or rabbit or sheep by whatever body part they can, and drag it, or throws it around. A leg, an ear, a wing...then thrown into a holding crate, waiting to be thrown into a scale to be sold “by the pound”. I saw animals bloodied by this handling. I also saw the fear in their eyes – they knew what was coming as they were dragged to the “slaughter barn”.

Another visit, chickens fighting as they are thrown into cramped cages, witnessed by staff…and ignored by staff. The next visit, a rabbit missing a leg, another missing half an ear. More carcasses on the floor, dead rabbit kits lying in a cage, where cats are sleeping.

Yet another visit, I took from there another rabbit missing an ear, one with fur so matted that I cannot understand how it could be that bad when the rabbit was only about 12 weeks old.

You may wonder why I was allowed to witness this. Anyone can walk into this place and wander freely. The owner knows no shame, and cares even less. After the third visit, I contacted several agencies and have documented what I have seen. I have bought several rabbits from this place, because I so desperately wanted some to defy the odds and get out of there alive.

Sadie, (pictured below) a rabbit that I removed from this place, didn’t make it.

Nor did another that I took. My vet said she’d never seen rabbits so sick. She has documented their condition. A few of the others I took will make it…after receiving medical treatment.

Going on the theory of “Keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer.” I am friendly with the owner when I go there. He now calls me “his rescue person that finds homes for the rabbits.” He does not know my name or where I live. He does not know of my campaign against him, and I maintain my friendly demeanor so he will allow me to return (and gain more evidence against him). He allows me to walk all over the place unescorted.

I know that the ones I rescued from that place are only a few of the hundreds of animals that pass through that place. I also know that others will only replace the ones I take. But, there was something about them that I couldn’t leave behind. Of the ones I took…that survived, well they are clearly grateful to be away from that place. They clearly show how they know the difference between “here” and “there”. They will be spayed/neutered before I place them for adoption into loving homes.

I also know that I must continue to work on “the big picture”. I am contacting government agencies (USDA, Dept. of Health) and humane organizations (NJ Animal Rights Alliance, SPCA, In Defense of Animals, etc.) and getting advice from another organization (Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY) who was successful in closing down a place much like the one I speak of. I have also contacted newspapers to see if they are interested in doing an article about the cruelty that takes place. I have one paper interested…and possibly another one.

Last weekend, I went in there, and with the help of someone “running interference” was able to get some pictures of the horrors. I got pictures of two dead goats in a garbage can, a dead rabbit in a cage, a carcass on the floor of the barn, a stall two-feet deep in feces with sheep standing on top of it, a water bowl with bird droppings in it, etc. I have been in touch with the group In Defense of Animals and they are advising me how to proceed and if I have a case. I have e-mailed them my pictures and will be faxing them the vet records of the animals that have come from there, including the two that died.

You many notice, that I am not mentioning the name, address, or even the county in which this horrible place resides. I do not want to leave myself open for a “liable” or “slander” lawsuit at this time. However, I am very willing to testify in court when the time comes. I have also have had others visit this place to bear witness to what I have seen. When I have everything documented, I will stand against the accused.

So, why am I writing this? I am seeking donations to further my crusade against this place. Money is needed for postage, printing costs, and vet treatment for the animals I have taken from there, and to continue my efforts save others from future horrors. Please, if you can spare a few dollars, please send them my way and note that you would like your donation to go toward stopping this atrocity. I am also looking for anyone that lives close enough to go visit this place, and document what they see, as the more people that report it, the more inclined the authorities will be to act on it. I can help by telling anyone interested; whom to write to, his or her e-mail addresses, fax numbers or phone numbers. Also, anyone that will go see the place, I will meet there if you like. Anyone that wishes to donate will be kept updated on the progress of my crusade. All donations are tax-deductible…