Tennessee Caregiver Rescues Over 100 Rabbits; Adoption Opportunities Available Through Local Shelters

In a heartwarming rescue operation in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a dedicated caregiver reached out for help, leading to the successful rescue of over 100 rabbits living in deplorable conditions.

Short Summary:

• A caregiver recognized his inability to care for over 100 rabbits and sought assistance.
• The Humane Society of the United States and McKamey Animal Center responded to the situation.
• The rescued rabbits will be available for adoption through various shelters following medical evaluations.

In a poignant testament to the bond between humans and animals, a caregiver in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has turned to local animal shelters for help after he found himself overwhelmed by the number of rabbits in his home. Over 100 rabbits were rescued from his property by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the McKamey Animal Center on August 20, 2023. The situation came to light after the caregiver, who has cared for rabbits for over three decades, acknowledged that due to health issues and expanding circumstances, he could no longer provide the care these beloved pets deserved.

“As with many of the rescue operations we take on, these conditions aren’t suitable for animals or humans to live in,” stated Jessica Johnson, senior director of the Humane Society’s Animal Rescue Team. She emphasized the compassion shown by the caregiver, noting, “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.”

The rescuers arrived at the property early in the morning, discovering the rabbits living in starkly unsanitary conditions. Many of the rabbits exhibited signs of health issues such as flea infestations, hair loss, and injuries typical of animals kept in overcrowded situations. Some nursing litters and pregnant rabbits were found burrowing in furniture, indicating the dire circumstances.

The caregiver, who wished to be known simply as Mike, shared his concern for the rabbits. After suffering health challenges, he found himself unable to manage the increasing population of pets. “I’ve cared for rabbits for more than 30 years,” Mike recounted during an interview. “But recently, things got out of hand.” His heartfelt story resonates with a long-standing commitment to animal welfare.

“It’s an absolute miracle that you guys have stepped in to do this and find good homes for them,” Mike expressed to the volunteers, emphasizing that all he ever wanted was for his rabbits to be happy.

The immediate focus for the Humane Society and McKamey Animal Center was to transport the rabbits to a temporary emergency shelter in Chattanooga. Here, a team of veterinarians has been diligently examining each rabbit and administering necessary medical treatments. This process is crucial as many of the rabbits needed special care before they could be shifted to adoption opportunities.

Lauren Mann, director of advancement at the McKamey Animal Center, confirmed the careful monitoring and treatment of the rescued rabbits. “Currently, the rabbits we do have in care are being monitored for their health, and once they are fully cleared by veterinarians, they will be spayed/neutered and then made available for adoption,” she noted. However, at this stage, none of them are available for adoption through McKamey Animal Center.

In the meantime, the Humane Society of the United States has collaborated with numerous rescue partners to place many of the rabbits in safe environments where they can receive proper care and undergo rehabilitation. These partners include:

• Gainesville Rabbit Rescue
• Redemption Love Farm & Rescue
• Green Dogs Unleashed
• PAWS Humane Society
• Young-Williams Animal Center
• Richmond SPCA

Once the rabbits are healthy, each shelter will be responsible for providing potential adopters with information on the rabbits in their care. People interested in adopting one of these rescued pets are encouraged to reach out to the respective shelters or rescue organizations for further details.

“Walking into the environment and seeing how the owner was living made us all feel, in some sense, responsible for helping him just as much as these animals,” shared Audra Houghton, director of operations for the HSUS’ Animal Rescue Team. The situation highlighted the importance of community involvement in animal welfare.

This emotional journey began when Mike spotted a 17-pound French Lop at a pet shop, leading to his first rabbit adoption approximately 30 years ago. He recounted that he initially became a rabbit owner after his car broke down beside a bar. With a rabbit in tow, he refrained from entering the bar, opting instead to wait for help while keeping the rabbit safe in his vehicle. He credits this moment as the pivotal point that helped him overcome his struggles with alcoholism.

“I don’t like seeing an animal in a cage,” reflected Mike, who noted that the experience with his first rabbit helped him see the value of companionship and sobriety. “They mean everything to me.” This deep connection between humans and rabbits underscores the critical role animals play in our lives.

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. People across Tennessee and beyond have shown immense support for the HSUS and McKamey Animal Center’s efforts to rescue these animals. Videos and updates posted on social media from the rescue teams have prompted numerous inquiries about adoption and support.

As the rabbits undergo treatment and recuperation, organizations are preparing for the next phase of their journey—a chance to find permanent, loving homes. In a recent news release, the HSUS detailed plans for transporting some of these adorable rabbits to partner shelters in other states, including Virginia and Florida, enhancing their adoption prospects.

“We are grateful to the McKamey Animal Center for inviting us to assist in giving the caregiver and each of his rabbits a new beginning,” Jessica Johnson concluded, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the organizations.

For potential adopters who want to prepare for bringing a rabbit home, resources are available on BunnyEat.com, a hub for rabbit lovers seeking expert advice and a vibrant community dedicated to rabbit care and welfare. Whether you’re interested in adopting a small-sized rabbit for a cozy home environment or a larger breed to share open spaces, ensuring you choose a suitable rabbit for your lifestyle is key.

As local shelters gear up for the upcoming adoption events, they will undoubtedly share the stories of these resilient rabbits, each waiting for a chance at a fresh start. As this heartwarming rescue situation unfolds, the community’s love and compassion for these animals exemplify the positive impact of collaboration in animal welfare.

Keep an eye on local news and shelter announcements for updates on the availability of the rescued rabbits for adoption and how you can contribute to their continued well-being. Together, we can help these gentle souls find the forever homes they desperately need and deserve.