While the death of these pet rabbits was both horrible and tragic what is also upsetting is that this outdoor enclosure was made of chicken wire designed to keep the rabbits in and not the predators out. Domestic rabbits are easy prey and are susceptible to a number of outdoor hazards including becoming victim to human and nonhuman predators alike. It takes only a matter of seconds for a dog or another animal to get through a hole or over a fence and either strike and kill, or cause the rabbit to have a panic attack which could easily result in serious injury or death from a heart attack.
Companion rabbits have specific needs and unfortunately the majority of those choosing to bring a rabbit into their lives lack the knowledge and understanding to fully meet those requirements.
Regrettably, in this case being imprisoned with no means of escape led to deadly consequences.