Gowanus ‘Rabbit Lady’ Sentenced

Dorota Trec, the 36-year-old Gowanus resident convicted in November of 100 counts of animal cruelty, has been sentenced to 45 days in jail and 3 years probation.

Since 2012, Trec has been reportedly keeping upwards of 200 rabbits in the basement of a tire shop on 3rd Avenue near 9th Street, as well as outdoors in an adjacent lot during sub-zero temperatures.

After receiving complaints from neighbors about the treatment of the rabbits, the NYPD and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) seized 176 rabbits from Trec in January 2015. The rabbits were suffering from neglect, serious injuries, and illnesses.

DNA Info reports that along with jail time, Trec was ordered to pay a fine of more than $23,000 to the ASPCA. She must also register as an animal abuser with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and undergo a mental health evaluation.

Trec is also banned from owning animals for five years.

With the abuser showing no remorse, animal advocates say they wish she had received a stricter sentence and expressed concern about the dozens of additional rabbits that have recently been found at the tire shop.

The ASPCA is planning special adoption events next month for the rabbits and their litters.