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Malay – The Utah Humane Society reports an increase in rabbit hoarding incidents, and communities are struggling to keep up.
The Humane Society has adopted 783 rabbits since 2020. According to a press release issued by the organization, the average family will hand over his four rabbits at a time, while some hand over up to 20 rabbits.
“Animal hoarding is a complex issue involving mental health, animal welfare and public safety,” the Utah Humane Society said in a release. “Most people have no intention of hoarding or neglecting animals, but in rabbits, intentional or unintentional breeding quickly leads to hoarding.”
Cats and dogs are the most common victims of animal hoarding incidents, but the Humane Society has confirmed a significant increase in rabbit hoarding in 2022.
Hoarding usually begins with a few non-sterilized animals. However, breeding can be difficult to manage if housed in confined areas without precise sex and segregation. For example, a rabbit starts breeding at 4-5 months of age, has a gestation period of 31 days for her and can give birth to 1-12 cubs.
When dealing with these numbers, animal custodians are unable to provide the bare minimum of care, such as nutrition, hygiene, shelter, and veterinary care. , often leading to death.
Breeding got out of hand after some families the Humane Society has worked with said they wanted their children to experience the joy of raising baby animals. I encourage my family to
Jolie Gordon, Foster/Volunteer Manager, Human Society of Utah, said: “Becoming a foster parent is incredibly rewarding, as well as helping these companions save his animal’s life.”
“The Utah Humane Society discourages the public from purchasing unaltered rabbits at pet stores and fairs. Pet store rabbits are often separated from their mothers too young, leading to health problems. They are at higher risk,” said Juli Urvestad, director of the Pet Resource Center at the Humane Society of Utah. Not spayed, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, etc. There have even been ordinary citizens who unknowingly purchase a single pregnant rabbit from a pet store. ”
The Humane Society of Utah admissions team works with pet owners who choose to surrender part of their animal and assists in proper care of the remaining pet. Assistance is provided through sharing information about sterilization and neutering, and community resources.
In serious cases that require police intervention, the Humane Society works with law enforcement agencies to help obtain animal justice.
If you are interested in adopting a rabbit, please visit www.utahhumane.org/adopt.
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