COLUMBIA, Md. — Friends of Rabbits, a local nonprofit rescue organization, has launched a fundraising campaign after taking in more than 60 rabbits from a hoarding situation in Howard County, Maryland.
According to the organization, the rabbits had been “left outside to fend for themselves” at an abandoned farm and arrived at the rescue facility in “rough shape.” Many were underweight, suffering from parasite infestations, or showed signs of illness and poor nutrition.
The rescue team notes that the number of rabbits has grown substantially since intake. “All but one of the adult females rescued have since given birth,” the group shared. As of the fundraiser’s publication, “we are now caring for over 100 rabbits.”
Friends of Rabbits describes the event as “the biggest rescue our organization has taken on in years.” The group has since initiated an effort to cover the mounting costs of care, including “emergency medical treatment, spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and daily needs like hay, greens, and litter.”
The GoFundMe campaign, titled “Donate to Support Rescue of 60+ Rabbits,” emphasizes that the rescue was made possible thanks to “a coordinated effort between Friends of Rabbits and HRS volunteers.” The nonprofit is calling on community support to ensure that the rabbits receive the medical care and supplies they need.
“This rescue is overwhelming in both scope and cost,” the organization said. Contributions will go toward veterinary bills and other critical supplies as the group prepares the rabbits for eventual foster or adoptive homes.
In an Instagram post highlighting the rescue, volunteers noted “We are SO close to the end with this rescue mission. We have caught approximately 60 rabbits from the property. We think there are 2-3 left. Currently we are checking over every rabbit and assessing medical needs. Several rabbits have been sent to the vet with bot flies, breathing difficulties, and neurological symptoms.”
“We have never been more tired, dirty, and stinky. But it is all worth it to get these animals safe and stop the out of control breeding. This is what happens when you leave domestic rabbits outside. They reproduce. They become infested with bot flies, ticks, and fleas. They become sick and malnourished”.
The rescue group is now focused on arranging spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and preparing the rabbits for adoption or foster care.
Friends of Rabbits is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and states that all donations are tax-deductible. The full campaign is available at: gofundme.com/f/donate-to-support-rescue-of-60-rabbits.
