Summaries

Synopsis

The Deadly Secret of Santee Alley unveils the horrors of the illegal animal trade in downtown LA Fashion District and takes one on a ride through the labyrinth of issues ranging from animal cruelty, public safety, child labor, human trafficking, gangs, drugs, counterfeit goods, tax evasion, and more.

The journey begins in June 2008 with an almost deadly attack on an actress/activist, soon to be the media declared Bunny Lady who chooses to investigate and document illegal animal sales downtown LA. She stumbles upon the un-weaned baby animals (bunnies, puppies, kittens, birds, and turtles) that are sold in horrible conditions (no water, improper food, glaring sun). She witnesses how they are impounded by LAPD and taken by Animal Control only to be euthanized. She captures vendors committing animal cruelty on film and almost loses her life when attacked by aggravated gang members protecting their turf. Random witnesses capture the attack by video camera, and the incident becomes a vital part of the film. The Bunny Lady creates Bunny World Foundation (BWF), a NON-PROFIT 501 (c) 3, with a focus on eradicating illegal animal sales downtown Los Angeles. and vouches to bring those responsible to justice. The documentary follows the Bunny Ladys efforts in exposing animal cruelty, housing and medicating 1400 baby bunnies in her very home, and developing a protocol to ensure their survival. Through fierce advocacy efforts and collaboration with city officials, she and the army of volunteers undertake the challenge to rid LA Fashion District of illegal animal activities and seek to enforce more stringent laws pertaining to animal cruelty.

Is she going to succeed? Will death threats shake her resolve? Where does the rabbit hole take her? What lurks in the darkness of Santee Alley?