$5,000 REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION INVOLVING SUSPECTED DROWNING OF RABBITS

Bodies of two pet rabbits found in their pet habitat at Charleston boat landing.

MONDAY | MAY 1, 2023 | CHARLESTON – Two pet black rabbits were discovered dead in a cage at low tide on April 28th, at Pierpont Boat Landing located at 94 Cedar Lane in West Ashley. The City of Charleston Police Department is currently seeking information on the owner of the rabbits and any details related to their death.

If this incident is determined to be an act of animal cruelty, Charleston Animal Society will offer a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and felony conviction of the person or persons responsible for this heinous act. If you have any knowledge about the individual who owns the cage (SEE PHOTO HERE), or if you have any information related to the death of the rabbits, please contact Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch at 843-743-7200 and ask for Courtney Bayles, Supervisor of Animal Control for the City of Charleston Police Department.

The City of Charleston Police Department is working closely with Charleston Animal Society to investigate the incident.

“We are deeply disturbed by the discovery of these deceased rabbits,” said Charleston Animal Society Vice President of Operations and Strategy Aldwin Roman, CAWA. “If the police department’s investigation determines that these pet rabbits died as a result of a cruel act, it qualifies as an animal cruelty felony under South Carolina law, and we will work tirelessly to find the individuals responsible for this crime.”

The City of Charleston Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward as soon as possible. This tragedy has caused immense suffering for these innocent animals, and justice must be served.

Charleston Animal Society is committed to fighting cruelty in any form. The cruel killing of animals, regardless of the kind of animal, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community,” Roman said. “We know that those that hurt vulnerable animals will likely go on to hurt vulnerable people, such as children, women, and the elderly.”

The City of Charleston Police Department will continue to investigate this incident and will provide updates as more information becomes available.