Runaway bunny found in Montclair
A reader from Montclair writes:
This morning (Oct. 26) on Riverview Drive, in front of the Bonsal Wildlife Preserve, a runaway bunny was discovered. Fat, furry, and friendly, this is clearly someone’s lost pet rabbit. Luckily, the local preschool set (and attendant mothers) discovered it just in time to save it from an impending altercation with a few outdoor cats. Neighbors stood sentinel while awaiting Animal Control to bring it to safety. What we do know is that it is a light brown, domesticated animal that enjoys nibbling bok choy and being petted by small children. What we need to know is where its home last was.
Any leads? Please contact the Montclair Animal Shelter.
(973) 744-8600
So many reports of found bunnies recently………. I hope people are not just setting them free once they no longer want them…..
There are a bunch of bunnies at the shelter…They’re very cute…
cuddles,
Seriously think about that statement from a Rabbitt’s perspective. “I hope after they take me out of this 2×2 cage, my owners set me free to live a productive life outdoors. I’m not a painting on the wall, I’m a living creature”
I have a pot of boiling water on the stove and the oven is at 425 degrees–suggestions?
These abandoned rabbit stories keep on multiplying like rabbits.
Jimmytown,
While I agree that anyone who doesn’t provide a pet with adequate care (including mental enrichment) shouldn’t have that pet, a released rabbit certainly does not live a “productive” life. They are terrified, and often meet a violent end from various predators. I myself have rescued plenty of rabbits who were abandoned outside. I’ve spent hours removing hundreds of ticks, and money treating uncomfortable internal parasites (coccidia, tapeworm). They were the lucky ones. I can personally attest to the fact that these guys were on cloud nine once they were back in the comfort and familiarity of a house.
It’s no more irresponsible than releasing a cat or dog; do you advocate that as well? Were you aware that the domesticated rabbit is genetically different from its wild counterparts? One very big difference is that domestic rabbits cannot tolerate heat the same way a wild rabbit can, as they have evolved differently to tolerate their different environments….Not to mention the fact that a pet rabbit won’t have the skill set to survive outdoors. So yes, seriously, think about your statement from the rabbit’s perspective…
A timely campaign to post well-worded signs (preferably with a picture of the pet) on telephone poles, at local stores, etc. often does wonders.
The old-fashioned, non-computerized bulletin board is underrated, they can add a lot to a community.. especially in situations like this.