‘We were already at capacity’: 97 rabbits rescued, now at local shelter
LOUISVILLE, Ohio (WJW) — Rabbits are not cats or dogs.
They need twice the care. They poop a lot, so they need to be removed from their pen at least twice a day for it to be cleaned, for the bedding and water to be changed, and for more food to be added.
So multiply that by 97, and you can see why the staff and volunteers at the Stark County Humane Society have been working overtime.
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The 97 rabbits were among 109 animals seized from a home near downtown Canton near the end of April, as part of a humane investigation.
The animals were kept in all kinds of containers inside the home, from cages to storage totes.
Investigators also removed seven cats, one dog and several parakeets. But it’s the rabbits that have taken up the lion’s share of the care and space.
“It takes these guys four to five hours, and we have a team of five people taking care of them every morning. And three people come back in the afternoon to go back through, so taking care of a rabbit is a whole different ballgame,” said Executive Director Jackie Godbey.
But as the case moves through the courts, Godbey said it could still be several weeks before they know if they can start putting the rabbits up for adoption.
And even then, all 97 rabbits will have to be spayed or neutered before they can be adopted out.
And on top of this, they still have a shelter full of dogs and cats that also need new homes.
“We were already at capacity and to add 109 more animals has taken its toll. We’re doing some hiring and training the staff to get out here and provide the best care,” Godbey said.
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Godbey said the community has stepped up and brought them cages, bedding, food and advice on how to care for so many rabbits.
It’s a lot of daily work, but Godbey said they will keep the rabbits well-cared-for until every rabbit in this fluffle of rabbits finds a permanent place.
“Yes, it can be overwhelming. It’s like a busy beehive in here. It just shows the work and effort the team has stepped up to do,” Godbey said.
If you would like more information about how you can help you can follow this link.
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