Winter, 2000
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Original Story |
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Photos of Rescued Rabbits |
For many years rabbits danced and frolicked among thistle and blackberry
bushes on an abandoned Beaverton farm. Passersby were
entertained by the rabbits' cute antics, unaware of the many
dangers these feral domestic rabbits faced daily in order to
survive.
Many animal lovers were concerned after realizing this pastoral scene
was not as safe and secure as it appeared. As a result, a rescue project
was organized that began with a meeting in August l999.
Members of Oregon Humane Society Rabbit Advocates and Oregon House
Rabbit Society, concerned neighbors, and citizens were present. Committees were
formed and bunny retrieval and adoptions began.
Newspaper and television publicity informed the public about the
rabbits' plight. Many offers of help were given. Some people donated
money, supplies, and their time. Others were willing to foster or give
permanent homes to the rabbits. Generous veterinarians offered their
services. Local school children raised funds to help with expenses.
Dedicated volunteers worked for four months and removed a total of 51
rabbits from the property. The last rabbit, Christy, was caught Christmas Day.
She is black with a tiny speck of white on her nose. She was very thin
and in need of a good diet. Christy is living in
foster care with JB (short for Jet Black), a solid black male, who was also
rescued from the property.
A majority of the rabbits were in good health. All were spayed/neutered
by local veterinarians. A small number required medical care and are
currently recovering. All the rabbits have found permanent homes or are
in foster care waiting for safe, secure homes.
For those working on this project the rewards are many. One of those rewards
is knowing that
the bunnies are now in safe, secure environments and being well cared for.
The rabbits no longer live with hunger and fear.
Hopefully, they will all learn to trust their
human caretakers and live happy contented lives.
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