Bunny neglect?!

[jellyrose]

I was wondering if any of you guys who have more experience than me with these things would have any ideas. I saw some bunnies at a Developmental center in Costa Mesa, CA yesterday and just feel a bit uneasy about them. There was about 10-12 bunnies in what looked like a huge bird avery, they had plenty of dry food, clean water and lots of space, they seemed very friendly (came up to the wire and looked interested in me) but there were just a couple of things that concerned me. They all looked a bit grubby and there were a few of them that looked like they had mite infestations (you know that crusty, bits of fur missing look). There was a bunch of straw in one corner but no hay and no veggies that I could see and nothing for the bunnies to hide in or play with. I’m just concerned that A. this is a government funded facility and they might not have the money to have these animals properly treated by a vet and B. Maybe they don’t know that much about rabbits.

I left a message with the Orange County Animal Control but I was wondering if there was anything else I could do? I’d love to go and bust them all outta there but I’m not sure I could handle that many rabbits!!!! I thought maybe I could call the school directly and suggest they contact the HRS or some thing?

Any advice would be welcome! 

[Sarita]

I would be concerned too that they are not altered. It wouldn’t hurt to at least start with the school and see what you can find out about their care. That is a lot of rabbits. They do sound like they have food, shelter, and water so they are neglected by most cruelty standards.

[MarkBun]

Although they may not be ‘neglected’, they can be ordered by a citation from the SPCA that they need to take them to a vet and have them checked out (due to the crusty bits o’ fur). In addition, the SPCA could also give them information on cheap/free alterations for them. If they cannot afford to care for them, they can turn them over to the SPCA.

Let’s hear it for Animal Cops!

[JK]

Oh I would bust them! Hay is the most important part of any bun’s diet and they had none! Their health doesn’t look good at all. Bust them!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Jellyrose!!! *pats on the back* Awesome you care to do something! Let us know what happens or how it goes!

[jellyrose]

I just got off the phone with a nice lady at the Costa Mesa Animal control. She took all the details and said that they will dispatch an officer today to investigate! she said that it might be as simple as education and putting them on a monitoring program but as it’s a government facility they might not have the right juristiction so she suggested I also call the OC animal control. I spoke to them and they are also sending an officer to investigate!

I feel better but still want to collect them all up : (

[Sarita]

That’s great – keep us updated on this.

[bunnytowne]

thats wonderful  great work

[Deleted User]

Good stuff girl …. you have done well

[osprey]

Wow jellyrose, you are braver than I am.  I’d be really spooked if I had to call AC on someone.  Good going!

[Lisa_43]

Good on you, defiantly keep us updated on this.

[Beka27]

wow.  i didn’t see this yesterday!  what happened?  did they contact you back?

[Scarlet_Rose]

Jellyrose, that is really big hearted of you. It sounds to me like they need vetrinary care and maybe the person who is supposed to care for them just doesn’t know. Maybe if you left an info packet with them if they would read it.

[Beka27]

what happened, did they contact you back at all?!

[jellyrose]

I heard back from them today. AC had to take all of the bunnies to quantine as it appears they have bunny syphilis. They said they were taken to a shelter for treatment but I don’t know which one. I don’t know if the bunnies were handed over by the school or if they were confiscated. I want to try to find out where they went so I can see what the out come has been. At least it seems they will get treatment now.

[Sarita]

What is going to happen to them once they get treatment? Will they go back to the school? Will they keep them and adopt them out?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Wow jellyrose AWESOME JOB !!!! who knows what would have happened if you hadn’t stepped in??!!?!

[kimberleyanddarren]

CONGRATS! we need more people who do stuff like this keep us posted if you find any more info!

[Scarlet_Rose]

Congrats and you’ve given those rabbits a chance at a good life!

[Author]

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