For the second time in three weeks, a herd of rabbits in deplorable condition have been dumped at Palo Alto’s bowling green.

Residents out for an early morning stroll last Sunday discovered 18 more rabbits at the green, which are in even worse shape than the first group, according to a city animal services official.

Animal services personnel are stunned and dismayed, Sandra Stadler, Palo Alto animal services supervisor, said. The Aug. 21 incident was preceded by a dumping on Aug. 1, when 14 rabbits, covered with sores and tumors, were released at the bowling green on Embarcadero Road. Stymied officials are pleading for information regarding who may be behind the neglect and dumpings.

The incidents are more than a mere nuisance for neighbors –- the animals are suffering, according to Stadler. The first herd was in such bad shape, they had to be euthanized; and the second group is even worse off.

“Five of the 18 were taken to a veterinarian, who said they had to be euthanized right away. The rabbits are starved, with matted fur; and had urine burns. They had the same fungal infection the first group had,” Stadler said.

So far, animal services hasn’t a clue as to who is behind the animals’ suffering and abandonment. The green’s proximity to residences does give Stadler hope that there may be witnesses, and she is begging for them to come forward.

“I have to think somebody may have heard something. It would take a few minutes to take 18 animals out of a vehicle,” she said.

Stadler fears this may not be the end of the incidents. Since the second group of rabbits, younger than the first, were in worse shape, Stadler believes the neglect is continuing. She worries at the shape a third group will be in.

“They need to turn them in to a humane organization, to someone who can care for them. Immediately,” she said.

Anyone with information that may be related to the incidents can call Animal Services at 496-5971.

Staff Writer Sue Dremann can be e-mailed at sdremann@paweekly.com