PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – On Monday, August 15, 2023, Carol Badart VanWie, 77 of Lusby, pleaded guilty in Calvert County District Court to multiple charges involving violations of Maryland’s animal cruelty laws. Ms. VanWie was found to have housed more than 40 rabbits and other creatures in unsanitary and inhumane conditions at her nonprofit venture, Bunny Magic and Wildlife Rabbit Rescue, in Lusby.
VanWie was given a suspended jail sentence, placed on probation, and ordered not to possess any animals. In addition, she reimbursed Calvert County the sum of $67,000 for the care and feeding of the animals that were confiscated from her property.
Calvert County State’s Attorney Robert Harvey wishes to commend Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Christopher J. Monte for his handling of this case. Credit also goes to Officer Allison Higgs of the Maryland Natural Resources Police who initially investigated the case and brought the charges against Ms. VanWie.
A slap on the wrist!
I brought an injured rabbit to her in 2002 and she seemed genuinely caring. That doesn’t excuse law violations but it’s much different than dog fighting.
I call abortion cruelty to humans.
thats really a man
40 rabbits??? That’ll keep you so warm in the winter. Her issue was really with the fact that she didn’t eat the rabbits and use their pelts. As far as the other animals, she should have asked for help, it’s hard and constant work to rehabilitate one animal let alone 40 plus.
I agree. A MILD slap on the wrist. When are they going to put her in jail?? It’s the only way to stop her. Anyone can see that. She’s a horrible person!!