We are shocked and dismayed by the conviction and sentencing of Stephanie Hope Smith, CEO of Peacebunny Foundation, who faced multiple animal cruelty charges for the abject neglect of hundreds of rabbits purported to be lavishly cared for at Peacebunny Cottage.

Smith was acquitted of eight felony animal cruelty charges and one misdemeanor cruelty charge. Three misdemeanor charges were dismissed. She was convicted of one misdemeanor charge. 

On July 3, 2025, she was sentenced to one year of supervised probation. She must remain law-abiding, not commit similar crimes, follow the instructions of probation, and may not "possess, own, or care for any animals.” She must also complete 80 hours of community service and pay $188 in fines. 

She faced 364 days or a fine of up to $3,000, or both, for each misdemeanor and two years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both for each felony.

The case began when the property owner contacted Minnesota Federated Humane Societies (MFHS), whose agents documented apparent cruelty and instructed the property owner to call police. On July 27, 2022, officers from the Savage Police Department were sent to the property after being notified about animal neglect by the property owner, who was leasing part of the barn to Smith. At the time of the visit, Smith was on vacation, but officers and representatives from 4Paws and the Animal Humane Society (AHS) found rabbits running loose in the barn, which was covered in feces. According to the complaint, “the smell of death, feces, and urine was overwhelming,” and bowls for food and water were found empty.

After securing the scene, law enforcement requested a cruelty report from MFHS, which was provided the following morning and used to obtain a search warrant. The following day, a search warrant was executed with the assistance of AHS veterinarian Dr. Sara Lewis. 

About 200 rabbits were discovered in the barn. Fifty rabbits were caged, and 150 of the rabbits running loose were photographed for ear injuries and other health conditions. Forty-seven rabbits were found dead, 19 required immediate veterinary treatment, and two were immediately euthanized: a rabbit with a broken back and a newborn infested with maggots. The caged rabbits had no water or food. Deceased rabbits and skeletal remains were found beneath boards with drilled holes. Even the manure had burrowed holes in it. 

Law enforcement secured the area, and water and food were provided for the living rabbits. AHS removed the rabbits who were in the most need of care, including two families of neonatal rabbits who were later placed with the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society and Minnesota Pocket Pet Rescue.

We are extremely grateful for the signatures of 14,000 In Defense of Animals supporters who signed our alert to ADA Michael J. Groh supporting his prosecution of Smith and asking that Smith be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and be denied a plea deal. Regrettably. we were not able to determine the judge's name who was responsible for this sentencing.

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