Three dedicated volunteers quickly and carefully rescued 28 rabbits from the backyard of a San Jose couple on July 8, 2011. The couple purchased two rabbits from a store and they allowed them to breed uncontrolled. The couple then decided they were no longer interested in caring for the rabbits. They planned on moving away from their residence in a matter of days when they gave rescue groups notice to remove the rabbits. They said if the rabbits were not removed, they would just be abandoned with no care when they moved.

The area where the rabbits were being held consisted of a two foot pile of rabbit droppings and urine. Their cage was made of chicken wire and wire fencing. There was nothing inside for the rabbit's comfort or their basic needs. A few water bottles hung from the wire and a dog dish held any food that they received. They were simply stuck in there with little food or water. It was heartbreaking to see one baby rabbit eating wood, the nearest food to him. One female rabbit was having difficulty breathing. These poor rabbits suffered so much having no shelter from the blistering sun, or from the cold of the evenings.

Sadly, three rabbits were dead when the rescue team arrived and one critically ill baby bunny was dying. He received urgent care, however he died within hours. The vet Tech was unable to bring down his extremely high temperature. In addition, two more rabbits died shortly after rescue, due to apparent heat stroke. During the rescue, several rabbit burrows needed to be unearthed. Thankfully, the litters were found and secured due to the care and diligence of the rescue staff.

All of the rabbits need urgent support. They require foster care, volunteers to help clean and feed them, food, hay, KMR and cash donations. These rabbits all must have medical support, and then eventual spay/neuter surgery and a foster home until they can be adopted. The Rabbit Haven will help with a large portion of costs for the spaying and neutering through our spay/neuter clinic. However, additional spay/neuter donations will still be needed. Two mothers and a mix of three litters (10 babies) were rescued. These two mothers are most likely pregnant and they are still nursing 2-3 week old babies. So, they cannot be spayed. (It is not safe). This means that we are looking at the possibility of having two more litters, potentially 24 more rabbits! We may have as man as 52 to care for, time will tell.

The rabbits are being housed at several different locations. Four adolescent rabbits went to Save A Bunny, the rest are either with SJ PAWS, The Rabbit Haven, or at the San Jose shelter. Donations may be sent to the SJ PAWS rabbit comittee.

Some happy news: So far the two groups of babies and all the adults are doing well and despite their past horrific life experience . They are very gentle and sweet. Rescue, foster and your financial support is desperately needed so we can create a positve outcome for these terribly neglected bunnies. The shelter only has room for only 11 rabbits right now -and they are in overflow status. The San Jose Rescue center is now completely overwhelmed (they were already full) Emergency fosters, supplies, and funds are needed. Please help these precious bunnies learn that humans can be compassionate. Please donate, foster, volunteer. (Especially foster a mom and litter -what a magical experience-Training is provided) Please help us to help these rabbits. Their rescue will not be complete until they are safe in their own new homes.

Contacts:

Lily at SJ PAWS	(408)221-0425
Marcy at Save A Bunny	415-399-2790
Heather at The Rabbit Haven	831-600-7479