URGENT foster places needed - 31/05/2007
The rabbits are currently being kept in cages just 1 foot by 1 and a half foot square and belong to a BRC breeder who is not allowed to have them in the council owned garage. The rescues involved had been given 3-4 weeks to assist with removing them but in order to recoup his losses, the breeder has begun selling them in large "lots" at markets to extremely uncertain futures (many markets that sell rabbits in lots support the underground trade in unmonitored meat production). Its now vital the rabbits are removed URGENTLY in order to prevent this happening to any more of them.
As the rabbits have been kept in accomodation where they can barely turn around or lay down, most will be suffering from severe muscle wasting and low bone density and because of this, they cannot be given too much space immediately. It will have to be built up gradually to allow the muscles to develop and support their weakened bones. So, although we would never normally allow rabbits to be kept in accomodation of this size, we are asking that any accomodation for fostering is of no more than 3-4 feet in length and no more than 2 feet in depth. Please get in touch if you are able to foster a needy bunny for approximately 6-10 weeks. We also have several cages suitable for indoor use only that can be lent to anyone who wishes to foster but cannot provide accomodation.
Foster hutches must be in a good state of repair, weatherproof and be fitted with bolts to prevent access by predators.
NB. If you have your own rabbits, its vital that you ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations and that the foster bunnies are housed well away from your own rabbits to prevent infection. You will need to employ a high standard of hygene, handwashing etc between handling your own rabbits/their food/bowls/bedding and that of the foster rabbits. We can provide disposable gloves and high level disinfectant for fosterers if you wish.
Because the rabbits are in such filthy and over crowded conditions, many are also showing signs of illness such as weeping eyes and wet noses but we are hoping this will resolve itself once they are in an environment that is well ventilated, free from dust and urine ammonia. If not, they will need antibiotics which will be provided by the rescue. The rescue will also provide fresh hay and dried food for the rabbits.
If you are able to help, please contact our foster care co-ordinator Nicola Clements on gf.fostering@btinternet.com or call her on 07931 762146.
(please note the photograph is for illustration only and is not of the actual rabbits situation, it is of a rabbit from a previous overcrowding case we assisted with)
