Rabbit Rescue Group Seeking Help in Neglect Situation

[Guest guest]

For Immediate Release

Contact: Erin Williams, HRS, (510) 970.7575

Christine Morrissey, EBAA, (925) 487.4419

www.rabbit.org

 

Rabbit Rescue Group Seeking Help in Neglect Situation: Rescued Rabbits

Awaiting Medical Treatment and Homes

 

RICHMOND, Calif. (May 24, 2004) ... House Rabbit Society (HRS), a

national nonprofit organization headquartered in Richmond, CA, is

seeking permanent, loving homes for the surviving rabbits rescued on May

12 from a serious neglect situation in Hayward, CA.

 

HRS volunteers were initially alerted to the situation by an online

posting for free rabbits. Upon visiting the home on May 11, HRS and East

Bay Animal Advocates (EBAA) volunteers discovered approximately 30

rabbits languishing in a feces-filled backyard enclosure. Food bowls

were empty except for feces, and the available water was filthy, full of

algae and waste. All of the rabbits were covered in dirt, feces, and

mats, and signs of abuse caused by neglect were everywhere.

 

The rabbits were kept in an outdoor enclosure with machinery, cans of

gasoline, and junk strewn around the property. HRS and EBAA volunteers

returned on May 12 with Hayward Animal Services, who determined that the

animals should be immediately removed from the residence. Humane

officers and volunteers were shocked to discover a large number of dead

rabbits in various stages of decay.

 

" It was a truly horrifying situation, " explains HRS Shelter Director

Erin Williams. " There was a huge number of rotting corpses and body

parts as well as about 30 suffering survivors. Most of the rabbits were

suffering from significant medical problems, including tumors, open

sores, shredded or half-eaten ears, eyes that were completely closed

from infection, as well as sexually transmitted illnesses. "

 

Eight rabbits rescued from this situation are in foster care, receiving

much-needed medical attention and awaiting permanent homes. EBAA

representative Christine Morrissey states, " One of the rabbits could

barely stand, and another has a black, raw growth about the size of a

walnut hanging from one testicle. Another rabbit's ears have literally

been chewed half off. " HRS foster representative Karen Courtemanche

notes, " Although these rabbits have lived in horrific conditions, they

have shown since their rescue that they are still willing to trust. With

quality medical care, and with gentle, caring humans to help them heal,

they will make wonderful companion animals. "

 

About 20 rabbits are currently at Hayward Animal Services awaiting

treatment and release, and the Alameda County District Attorney will be

looking at the case next week. For photos, more information, and

updates regarding this case, please visit

http://rabbit.org/rabbit-center/hayward_rabbits.html

 

# # #

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

 

1. If you are interested in providing a loving permanent home to one of

these rabbits, please contact HRS at 510-970-7575 or at hq.

 

2. Donations are also needed to cover the costs for foster rabbits'

medical care. If you would like to make a donation, please send a check

to: HRS, 148 Broadway, Richmond, CA 94804. Attn: Hayward Rescue Fund.

 

3. Check back at http://rabbit.org/rabbit-center/hayward_rabbits.html

soon for updates regarding prosecution of this case.

 

--

Erin Williams

Shelter Director

House Rabbit Society

Richmond Rabbit Center

148 Broadway

Richmond, CA 94804

(510) 970-7575

www.rabbit.org