An animal welfare organization has successfully rescued more than 100 rabbits from a home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that had become overrun with the creatures, CBS News reports.
The rescue effort, carried out by the Humane Society of the United States in partnership with the McKamey Animal Center, took place early in the morning on August 20.
The team arrived at the home of a caregiver who had compassionately cared for pet rabbits for over 30 years. In an emotional interview, he revealed that his dedication to the animals had helped him maintain sobriety following struggles with alcoholism. However, a recent “health crisis” left him unable to properly care for the growing number of rabbits.
Upon arrival, rescue workers discovered the rabbits living in “extremely unsanitary conditions.” Many of the animals exhibited health issues, including fleas, hair loss, and injuries typical of overcrowded environments. Veterinarians later assessed that several of the rabbits were pregnant.
The caregiver had reached out to the McKamey Animal Center for assistance after realizing that he could no longer manage the needs of the rabbits. In response, the shelter contacted the Humane Society for help in executing the rescue.
“As with many of the rescue operations we take on, these conditions aren’t suitable for animals or humans to live in,” said Jessica Johnson, senior director of the Humane Society’s animal rescue team. “This one stands out because it was brought about by a caregiver recognizing he was beyond his capacity—he loves his pets enough to let them go so they can find homes where they can thrive.”
She expressed gratitude toward the McKamey Animal Center for their partnership in the effort.
Inga Fricke, executive director of the McKamey Animal Center, echoed Johnson’s sentiments, noting that the caregiver’s home was “sadly in deplorable condition” and “not suited for animals to reside in at this time.”
The rabbits were transported to a temporary emergency shelter where they will undergo veterinary examinations and receive necessary medical treatment. Once they are healthy, the Humane Society will work to place them with shelter and rescue partners to help find them permanent adoptive homes, according to the report.
