Ore. farmer's stolen rabbits returned

[January 14, 2012]  PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland police say more than a dozen rabbits reported stolen the night before a rabbit-cooking class have been returned by bunny advocates who had been caring for them.

Members of the volunteer group Rabbit Advocates say they're trying to buy the bunnies so they can live as pets.

Police say 18 rabbits belonging to farmer Levi Cole disappeared on Jan. 7. Cole says the theft occurred the night before he taught a class on raising, slaughtering and cooking rabbits.

Cole is an instructor for the Portland Meat Collective. He believes the theft was politically motivated. Police have no suspects.

Rabbit Advocates board member Erin Ford says the bunnies were dumped anonymously at the home of a volunteer.

Police Lt. Robert King said 17 rabbits were picked up Friday from the advocates' lawyer's office. King says police are still looking for one small, gray rabbit named Roger. Ford says she believes he's still in foster care.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.