Two pet black rabbits drowned trapped inside their cage after someone recently dumped them into the marsh beside Church Creek in Charleston.
The animals were found at low tide on April 28 at Pierpoint Boat Landing.
The Charleston Police Department is looking for the owner of the rabbits and Charleston Animal Society has put up a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest if it is determined to be an act of animal cruelty.
“We are deeply disturbed by the discovery of these dead rabbits,” Aldwin Roman, Charleston Animal Society vice president of operations and strategy, said in a news release. “This tragedy has caused immense suffering for these innocent animals and justice must be served.”
He said killing any animal is unacceptable.
“We know that those who hurt vulnerable animals will likely go on to hurt vulnerable people, such as children, women and the elderly,” Roman said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch at 843-743-7200 and ask Courtney Bayles, supervisor of Animal Control for the City of Charleston Police Department.