SPCA 'urgently' seeking foster homes after 22 rabbits surrendered in Victoria
The B.C. SPCA has issued a call for foster homes and funds after nearly two dozen rabbits were surrendered in Victoria.
The SPCA says it has had to shuffle around other animals, such as cats and dogs, to other island shelters to accommodate the influx of bunnies in Victoria.
Breanne Beckett, senior manager of the B.C. SPCA Victoria region, says about 13 of the rabbits were transferred to other SPCA branches on Vancouver Island. However, nine of the surrendered rabbits remain in Victoria, in addition to 13 others that were already there.
"We are urgently seeking foster homes where the surrendered bunnies can go to help with their socialization while they await adoption," she said.
"Currently half of our dog kennels have been turned into rabbit enclosures," Beckett added.
As the SPCA searches for foster homes, Beckett says most bunnies will be ready for adoption in about two weeks, after they've received vaccinations, spay and neuters, and other medical checks.
PET SURRENDERS ON THE RISE
Rabbit surrenders, and animal surrenders in general, have spiked in recent months as pandemic restrictions ease and working from home declines.
In late April, the Victoria Humane Society said people were going into "panic mode" trying to surrender pets, whether it's because they're returning to their offices or because pandemic-related rules around renting were lifted.
Amy McLaughlin, operator of Amy’s Bunny Barn in Sooke, says the situation is the same with rabbits.
"I have had a number of people saying, 'We’re going back to the office, our kids are back in school, after school activities, and we just feel like the bunny is being neglected,'" she said on April 21.
"I’ve also had people contacting me as far away as Kelowna because rescues there are so full."
Anyone looking to support the Victoria SPCA with its influx of bunnies, either with donations or by being a foster guardian, is asked to contact the branch at 250-388-7722 or victoria@spca.bc.ca[.]
"We are so grateful to anyone who can help us provide these wonderful animals with the care they need as they await their forever homes," said Beckett.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.