22 Rabbits Removed From Toms River Home: Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Authorities removed 22 rabbits from a shed behind a house on Harrison Road on Sunday following a call received by Toms River Animal Control, police said.

Toms River Police Officer James Colline, who is one of the township's humane law enforcement officers, found the rabbits in the backyard and in a shed on the property, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

Humane law enforcement officers are the ones designated by the township to investigate allegations of animal cruelty and neglect.

Toms River animal control officers called in Colline after responding to a call to the house, Messina said.

Berkeley Township's hazardous materials unit was called in to assist with removing the rabbits because of the condition of the shed, she said.

The rabbits were taken to the Toms River Animal Shelter for care, Messina said.

There were no details provided about the conditions in the shed; Messina said the investigation is continuing.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and the Ocean County Health Department are assisting with the investigation, she said.