About half of the 53 rabbits seized from an El Cajon resident described as a hoarder were ready to be adopted Thursday, but the others were receiving medical care at a San Diego County shelter.
El Cajon Police officers summoned San Diego Humane Society personnel after finding the rabbits living in “extremely harsh conditions” last week, according to the humane society.
San Diego Humane Society Chief of Humane Law Enforcement Stephen MacKinnon said most of the rabbits were in good health, despite their terrible living conditions.
“It’s obvious that the owner cared about the animals but couldn’t keep up with the care they needed, so she was grateful to receive our help,” MacKinnon said. “We see this type of situation often when well intentioned animal lovers become overwhelmed with the immense number of animals in their home. That’s when we need to intervene for the sake of the animals.”
San Diego Humane Society President and CEO Gary Weitzman said about half of the rabbits taken from the home have already been put up for adoption. The rest were given top priority and were receiving further medical care.
“After acclimating to a new environment, our priority is to address each of their individual needs and get them into homes as soon as possible,” Weitzman said.
—City News Service