Two men have been charged after 45 rabbits were found living in "deplorable" conditions in an old transit bus in the city's south end, the Edmonton Humane Society announced Monday.

The animals were found by peace officers in the bus at 27th Avenue and 96th Street on Nov. 10, after someone contacted the humane society.

"It's alleged that many were living in deplorable conditions in their own feces and urine. Some without any food or water and many in very poor health," said Shawna Randolph, a spokesperson for the Edmonton Humane Society.

The rabbits were removed from the bus. Only eight of the 45 animals were healthy enough to be adopted. The remaining animals had a rabbit disease called snuffles — an upper respiratory disease which is highly contagious and untreatable, Randolph said.

"Due to that disease, either the rabbits in our care died in our care or had to be humanely euthanized."

The situation has been disheartening and difficult for staff at the humane society, she added.

Both men face charges under the Alberta Animal Protection Act including causing an animal to be in distress and not providing adequate food and water.

They are scheduled to make their first appearance in court on Feb. 9.

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