FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2025
Palo Alto, CA — The Rabbit.org Foundation today issued a strong condemnation of the recent conviction and sentencing of Stephanie Hope Smith, CEO of the so-called “Peacebunny Foundation,” who received a mere misdemeanor conviction and one year’s probation for the death of 47 rabbits and the suffering of hundreds more under her care.
The Peacebunny Cruelty Case
What Investigators Found at Peacebunny Cottage
Peacebunny Cottage was once promoted as a rabbit sanctuary and educational nonprofit. But in April 2022, sheriff’s deputies and animal welfare investigators responding to welfare complaints found scores of domestic rabbits in severe distress — suffering from heat, dehydration, overcrowding, untreated wounds, predator attacks, and in some cases, death.
According to the complaint, “the smell of death, feces, and urine was overwhelming,” and bowls for food and water were found empty.
The Death of 47 Rabbits and Widespread Suffering
According to In Defense of Animals, “About 200 rabbits were discovered in the barn. Fifty rabbits were caged, and 150 of the rabbits running loose were photographed for ear injuries and other health conditions. Forty-seven rabbits were found dead, 19 required immediate veterinary treatment, and two were immediately euthanized: a rabbit with a broken back and a newborn infested with maggots. The caged rabbits had no water or food. Deceased rabbits and skeletal remains were found beneath boards with drilled holes. Even the manure had burrowed holes in it.”
Stephanie Hope Smith’s Sentencing
Why the Sentence Was Considered Lenient
“This was not a misunderstanding or a momentary lapse in judgment,” said Paige K Parsons, founder and president of the Rabbit.org Foundation. “It was an extended, callous failure to provide even the most basic care. Hundreds of sentient, social animals suffered and died — and the legal system responded with a wrist slap. It sends a chilling message that rabbit lives don’t count.”
Lack of Restitution and Community Service Requirements
The court dismissed seven of the eight counts initially filed, and did not require Smith to pay restitution or perform meaningful animal-related community service.
The Larger Problem of Rabbit Cruelty Laws
Why Rabbits Are Often Overlooked in Protections
This outcome is especially alarming given the growing recognition of rabbits as intelligent, sensitive creatures who require complex care, not novelty props for social media or touring exhibits.
Calls for Stronger Rabbit Welfare Advocacy
“People often assume rabbits are low-maintenance or disposable,” Parsons continued. “Cases like this perpetuate that myth. The lack of accountability here reflects not just a failure of one individual, but of a legal system that still treats cruelty to rabbits as minor or inconsequential.”
Rabbit.org Foundation’s Response
Holding Animal Welfare Nonprofits Accountable
The Rabbit.org Foundation urges legislators, prosecutors, and animal welfare advocates to enhance the legal protections for rabbits and other small mammals, who are often overlooked in cruelty statutes. We also call for greater oversight of nonprofits that present themselves as rescues or sanctuaries.
How Guardians and Advocates Can Help
We urge the public to reject organizations that exploit animals for entertainment and to support rescues that treat rabbits as the intelligent, indoor companion animals they are.
For more information or to support our advocacy work, visit https://rabbit.org.
Media Contact:
Paige K Parsons
Founder and President
Rabbit.org Foundation
paige@rabbit.org
Image used as featured image: Halp! by Flicker user PeachyWeasel via CC license.
