If they are in such bad condition, isn’t this considered animal abuse? I am really unsure of the laws around it but it’s possible this could be considered animal abuse and, in that case, perhaps a local shelter would be able to intervene and take the bunnies? I don’t know how the shelters run either but that’s the first thing that comes to my mind. Those bunnies absolutely need to be taken away, that is for sure. Are they trying to sell the buns or are they “pets”? I would definitely contact someone, maybe a local law enforcement agency could point you in the direction of who you need to contact. Or if you have a rabbit rescue nearby maybe they would want to intervene and you could stay out of it. Either way, it needs to be reported somehow and there are ways for you to remain anonymous. They don’t have to know it was you but those bunnies need to be saved!!

Edit: I noticed you said Ohio. Take a look at these state statutes regarding animal cruelty: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/959

Specifically 959.13 Cruelty to animals:

(A) No person shall:

(1) Torture an animal, deprive one of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate or kill, or impound or confine an animal without supplying it during such confinement with a sufficient quantity of good wholesome food and water;

(2) Impound or confine an animal without affording it, during such confinement, access to shelter from wind, rain, snow, or excessive direct sunlight if it can reasonably be expected that the animals would otherwise become sick or in some other way suffer. Division (A)(2) of this section does not apply to animals impounded or confined prior to slaughter. For the purpose of this section, shelter means a man-made enclosure, windbreak, sunshade, or natural windbreak or sunshade that is developed from the earth’s contour, tree development, or vegetation.[;]

(3) Carry or convey an animal in a cruel or inhuman[e] manner;

(4) Keep animals other than cattle, poultry or fowl, swine, sheep, or goats in an enclosure without wholesome exercise and change of air, nor or feed cows on food that produces impure or unwholesome milk; 

It seems that this owner is violating several of the statutes here, which constitutes action on behalf of the bunnies. This makes me so sad. Please help those poor babies, they can’t help themselves! I was so upset when initially reading this that I forgot to say that it’s awesome you have been spending time with them and bringing fresh veggies. I’m sure that brightens their day to get some love and lettuce! But they do need to be removed from that situation!!

The trouble with things like this, is that while they may not necessarily be getting fed properly or kept in proper conditions, they look at least somewhat healthy (not starving or morbidly obese), they have access to food and water, and they are in a sheltered enclosure. According to law that unfortunately doesn’t really equate to animal cruelty, even though being knowledgeable rabbit owners, we certainly know better.

You could certainly try to get a rescue or SPCA involved but I honestly don’t think you’d have much luck. Maybe just a friendly chat to the owners about your concerns and what they could do to improve.

That’s aweful, Crashley. I’d definitely talk to the owners. Approach it from a suggestion/solution standpoint to minimize how defensive they’ll inevitably get.

I agree with Azerane, even though we know how bad this situation is, it’s probably not against the law for them to keep the buns this way. So calling the authorities likely wouldn’t do much, and you’ve already said they are too hardheaded to listen to friendly advice. If I was in your situation, I might just help them pull off a magical escape one night… It’s not like these people would miss them, they obviously don’t care about their welfare.