“I will just set him free”
RBRR has grown accustomed to all kinds of stories, excuses, and reasons for the less than adequate living conditions for rabbits we have helped throughout the years. We have been told that if we don’t help them they will have to “kill the rabbit” or “let him go”. It is frustrating and heartbreaking because we cannot possibly help all the rabbits in need. Here is a story about a cute little guy that was more than likely “set free” to live happily ever after.
RBRR has done a good job shielding our fans and supporters from situations that are too sad and disturbing to share. However, we would like to tell the story of “Bennett” to make a point about the dangers of releasing a domestic rabbit into a neighborhood or park.
We were contacted by a successful local rescue in Eugene about a bunny they found in a parking lot. Despite the fact they had no rabbit experience or knowledge, they scooped his little poop-covered toosh up and took him to the nearest rabbit savvy vet they could find. The poop was removed and he was given medication to prevent fly strike. The next morning they reached out to RBRR. Because they were also a rescue, we did not hesitate to help.
The following day we picked the grossly skinny little Mini Rex up and took him to Dr. Sheri. Despite the valiant efforts of the initial rescuers we were rudely awakened to a severe case of urine scald and swollen injured genitals. Bennett was obviously in pain and unable to relax. We also felt he was a little off in his hind end but due to the harsh genital problems we made the decision to fix that first and then address other possible issues. Bennett was put on regular doses of Metacam. He was bathed twice a day and Soother Plus was applied every evening. He was also given a Panacur treatment and revolution was applied. After a couple days there was improvement and we began to have hope that this tough little guy that we guess was not more that 9 months old would pull through. After a week the skin was healed and the swelling was down but the look in Bennett’s eyes was still so tired and pleading. So we took him back to Dr. Sheri. A quick exam combined with lingering symptoms suggested that there was definitely some serious damage to his hind end and we painfully made the decision to end his suffering and humanely euthanize him. X-rays revealed a severely arthritic knee and a broken back.
Bennett more than likely received his genital injury and broken back by some other animal grabbing him and shaking or jerking him back. He managed to escape only to sit in his urine and feces somewhere without food and water, in pain, and terrified. We can guarantee he did not deserve this kind of life or shall we say slow death.
Please do not dump domestic rabbits. There is only a slight chance that the result will be “happily ever after”. Diet, lack of water, and predators will most likely make the outcome terrifying and painful. And if you encounter a stray domestic rabbit please do all you can to capture it and get it proper care.
2012 Financial Reports
Total Income $21,010
Total Expense $20,477
Vet care 43%
Feed/Litter/Supplies 25%
Material/Repairs/New building 23%
Travel costs for Spay/Neuter Grant & rescues 6%
Other Admin 3%
**No wage was paid. RBRR is 100% volunteer-run.
BOO!! Animal Scramble in Cottage Grove- Update
RBRR (with the assistance of our good friend Scott at HSUS) has written a County Ordinance that will be presented to the county commissioners sometime in May for approval. The Ordinance states that no one shall offer small animals as prizes. It also states that no rodeo events will be allowed that are not sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. We will keep you posted on the progress.
RBRR also sent a letter on March 20, 2013 to the CG Riding Club asking for an update on the animal scramble’s status but we have not heard back. Please let your opinion on this cruel event be heard but ……
REMEMBER WE ALL MUST MAKE OUR FEELINGS KNOWN IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER. PLEASE NO THREATS OR STALKING!
Be a Regular Supporter!
Please consider giving a set amount to the Rescue every month. It is important to have a steady income and this is the best way to ensure that happens. Our future goals include continued top quality care for our rabbits, a second building, spay/neuter vouchers for low-income owners, and many other beneficial services. However, we have to feel secure that our daily necessities are going to be met before we can branch out and tackle other big projects. And remember it is 100% tax deductible!
