Achievements

When fires engulfed Altadena, Pasadena, and Brentwood, BWF mobilized its all-volunteer network to rescue over 150 displaced rabbits. More than 100 rabbits from evacuated families were screened and placed into safe foster homes, expanding our foster base to over 300 active fosters. Despite losing our Altadena adoption site to the fire, we managed to keep operations going. The wildfire response drew significant media coverage (NBC News, Newsweek, KCAL, Spectrum News, Pasadena Now, Times of San Diego, Desert Sun, and others), amplifying public awareness of rabbit welfare while inspiring hundreds of new foster applicants and volunteers to join our community.

Most importantly, rabbits received immediate medical treatment, Spay/Neuter surgeries, and safe housing during the crisis. This emergency response not only saved lives in the moment but also reinforced BWF’s role as a trusted safety net for vulnerable animals during natural disasters.

📹Video Acknowledgment: BWF thanking the community for support during the Wildfire response

In February 2024, BWF partnered with Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS) to intervene in a devastating backyard rabbit hoarding situation involving more than 100 rabbits. Many were pregnant, neglected, and suffering in dangerous outdoor conditions. Working with LAAS, BWF trapped, transported, and placed the rabbits into foster care while coordinating urgent medical treatment and Spay/Neuter surgeries. Featured in the Los Angeles Times, NBC, Fox LA,  KTLA, CBS, Los Angeles Daily News, Press Telegram, and the Orange County Register, among other outlets, this high-profile rescue drew attention to the urgent need for Spay/Neuter education. In total, BWF rescued more than 650 rabbits in 2024, demonstrating our capacity to respond to crises at scale.

Rescue Video

BWF Press Release

In April 2023, BWF again partnered with LAAS to shut down a backyard rabbit breeding operation in Los Angeles, rescuing nearly 90 rabbits living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. The effort, covered by ABC7 Eyewitness News, Fox LA News, CBS, and KTLA, showcased BWF’s ability to act quickly and effectively in collaboration with city partners. This case was part of a year in which BWF rescued more than 700 abandoned or neglected rabbits, reinforcing our commitment to combating illegal breeding, preventing overpopulation, and promoting humane education.

Rescue Video

BWF Press Release

Ended Illegal Animal Sales in Santee Alley

Santee Alley, LA Fashion District, was the city's number one haven for illegal animal sales where underaged rabbits, kittens, salmonella infected turtles, parvo-infected puppies, and exotic birds were sold illegally on a daily basis. Animals were kept in filthy conditions in the glaring sun with no food or water, and many were sick or dying when sold. These activities clearly violated City codes and other statutes as well. BWF worked tediously on advocacy efforts to urge the city officials and councilmembers to enforce laws prohibiting illegal sales of animals; to better protect the health and welfare of animals and humans that are victimized by such sales; and, where necessary and appropriate, propose new legislation and ordinances in support of these efforts.

BWF successfully combatted illegal animal traffickers in Santee Alley by collaborating with the City Attorney’s Office, and by aiding in the arrest of notorious ring leaders behind this crime. BWF volunteers followed the traffickers, and provided LAPD with the evidence of their offenses. As a result, the bail amount increased from the mere $25 to $26,000, the infamous ring leader of illegal animal traffickers, Juan Mena, got arrested and the People vs Juan Mena and Norma Pluma trial began. In December 2013, the traffickers were found GUILTY by the Jury and were sentenced to jail. This marked the beginning of the end of the ongoing practice of animal abuse, cruelty and disregard for the animal protection laws in Santee Alley, LA Fashion District.  Our documentary "The Deadly Secret of Santee Alley" is under way with the collaborative effort of USC Cinema & TV School volunteer filmmakers. In 2011, our documentary was a finalist at MY HERO Int'l Film Festival in the Independent Features in Development Category. 

In 2014, BWF conducted several undercover investigations of illegal rabbit breeding operations in the City of LA that resulted in the discussion with the City Officials to bring about “(Shelter) Equity and Rabbit Equality”. At that time, many of the city ordinances relating to animal welfare did not apply to the breeding or keeping of rabbits.  BWF presented various rabbit breeding cases before the LAAS Board of Commissioners and educated the public officials about much needed regulations and legislative changes in regards to keeping rabbits as pets. In 2015 -2016 BWF continued to work with LAAS Board of Commissioners & PAWS to bring about more city ordinances related to protection of rabbits.

BWF formed a “Bunnies for Puppies & Kitties” division that, through a collaborative effort with cat and dog rescue organizations, saved the lives of over 500 cats and dogs from high-kill LA County & City shelters.