Rabbit hoarder lands in trouble again

HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) - Miriam Sakewitz is in trouble again for having animals.

Her troubles began in October 2006, when police found nearly 250 rabbits at her home in Hillsboro, 88 of which were dead and in freezers.

She pleaded no contest to animal neglect and other charges filed after she broke into a police facility and took back more than 140 of the rabbits.

After serving time last year, she was on probation and on orders to stay away from animals.

However, police said they found a dog and a rabbit in her garage when they went to her house earlier this month to check a report that she was suicidal.

Now, the 45-year-old Sakewitz must appear in court at the end of the month on charges of violating her probation. She could be sent to jail for five years.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)