Bursting with Bunnies: Surrey Shelter Seeking Foster Homes for Rabbits
The Surrey Animal Resource Centre has seen a notable increase in abandoned rabbits and is putting out a plea for loving foster families.
Surrey, BC –The Surrey Animal Resource Centre has seen a notable increase in abandoned rabbits and is putting out a plea for loving foster families.
“Sadly, we’re experiencing an increase in abandoned rabbits in the City which has led to the Surrey Animal Resource Centre being filled with rabbits,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “With such a large number of rabbits in our care, we hope the public will consider fostering to help ease the overcrowding and space challenges the Surrey Animal Resource Centre is currently experiencing.”
Rabbit rescues and shelters are often overrun with abandoned rabbits. Such is the case for Surrey’s shelter. In 2019, the Surrey shelter took in 60 rabbits which rose to 76 in 2020 and, in 2021, saw a total of 129. Currently, there are 22 rabbits being housed in pens around the shelter despite the facility being designed to house four to eight.
To help, the Surrey Animal Resource Centre is looking for fosters that can commit to housing a rabbit for a minimum of two weeks as the shelter struggles with space to house the animals.
While it may seem like a great idea to buy a rabbit for children to have at Easter, it is important to understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before buying one. Rabbits generally live for five to eight years depending on their breed and environment, but can live for as long as 12 years. Before deciding to purchase a rabbit, make sure you are prepared to care for them that long.
For more information, email adoption@surrey.ca, call 604-574-6622 or visit surrey.ca/surrey-animal-resource-centre. SARC is located at 17944 Colebrook Rd. and is open by appointment only.