Rescue Tails / There’s Hope

Contributed by FKSPCA Staff

Rosemary was a military rabbit. We’re not talking about a rabbit trained in combat or a rabbit who belonged to a military family. We’re talking about an abandoned pet rabbit found on our local military airfield. Officials had been seeing her for a while but were unable to catch her. Her condition was deteriorating, which may be why she was eventually caught and brought to us. Fortunately, she is now receiving the care she needs, her condition has greatly improved and she will soon be ready for adoption.

“Dumped”/abandoned and escaped domestic pet rabbits are an issue throughout Florida and in many other states across the country. Many are brought to shelters as strays with no owner ever showing up to reclaim them. In fact, rabbits are the third most common animal brought to shelters. Our shelter currently has 14 rabbits, 11 of them were strays from the streets! Since most abandoned rabbits are not spayed or neutered, those who survive long enough to reproduce can do so very quickly, creating colonies in the neighborhoods they inhabit. This has become a problem for not only the rabbits but also for local communities and the agencies responsible for handling domestic animal issues.

While domestic rabbits can sometimes survive long enough to reproduce, when “set free”, their life is far from optimal since they do not have the survival skills wild rabbits have developed over time. Their lives are compromised, often falling prey to cars, predators, disease, or the elements.

The number of unwanted rabbits has become an ever-growing problem, causing shelters and rescues to reach their limit. Many must turn down rabbit surrender requests because space or resources for care are not available.  According to every rescue we have spoken to in Florida and as far north as Ohio, the problem is getting worse.  Homeless dogs and cats are also filling shelters and rescues but at least spaying and neutering does provide some relief.  Rabbits are considered exotic animals and their medical needs are specialized. Therefore many vets don’t treat rabbits. And the cost to spay/neuter rabbits is beyond the reach of many rabbit guardians. The bottom line is:  there are more pet rabbits needing homes than are good homes wanting pet rabbits!

BUT THERE IS HOPE! Education is part of the solution but we cannot educate ourselves out of this crisis. Fortunately, some forward-thinking communities like ours here in Key West have placed bans on the retail sale of rabbits which has helped. Other communities across our state have also, and that number is growing. But until that becomes widespread, rabbits will continue to pay the price.

There are ways to help:

  • While our shelter will accept rabbits, if you find a stray rabbit, consider becoming the home that rabbit needs or at least foster until a permanent one can be found. We can provide you with information on housing and care.
  •  Consider becoming an advocate in your community to initiate a retail ban ordinance and support anyone who is working to create change in their own community.
  • If you are considering giving up your rabbit, please reach out to us. We may be able to help so you won’t have to. Email us at [email protected] or call (305) 294-4857.
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