When we went to buy our first rabbit (we had rescued poor Thumper from a future inside a moccasin or owl), we saw many animals on this small farm outside the city. Turned out many of them were rescues, and the local animal control knew these people, and brought them animals that needed a place to live and recover from their abuse.

They had two horses, one of which had arrived recently. This one had just started realizing that she didn't have to be scared of this couple anymore. The lady was quite shocked to find ILoveBunnies gently stroking this mare's muzzle, as she fully expected the horse to retreat at the sight and sound of unfamiliar people. She had not allowed anyone to pet her until that moment.

They had a goat (they had lots of goats!) that had recovered from goat polio, and had a permanent limp to show for it. This goat was constantly harassing me for pets while we were there.

These same people raised meat rabbits, yet that was no issue at all for the authorities. They certainly weren't in a hidden shed or anything; they had to know the rabbits were there.

There is most certainly a place for legitimate animal rescue. I don't remember what they told us about the treatment of that mare, but it was shocking and sad, and very similar to the stories of many animals around the property. It would be wonderful if animal welfare people were all like the ones there, and like you, Brody.