Bunny Abandonment on the Rise in Las Vegas Valley

Las Vegas, NV – The problem of unwanted pets being dumped in the Las Vegas Valley continues, and rabbits are no exception. Bunnies Matter Rescue, the area’s only rabbit rescue organization, has been responding to numerous cases of abandoned rabbits, often found in local parks.

On Tuesday, rescuers successfully captured two pet rabbits that had been dumped at Sunset Park. The rabbits were discovered alongside avocados, which are deadly to rabbits, and were spotted near a coyote warning sign. Concerned citizens alerted Bunnies Matter to the situation.

Rescuers used cat traps baited with lettuce and carrots to capture the rabbits. The process took several hours, but quick action was crucial as pet rabbits are ill-equipped to survive in the wild. They face threats from coyotes, hawks, owls, and domestic dogs.

Dave Schweiger, founder of Bunnies Matter Rescue, emphasized that rabbit dumping is a recurring problem throughout the valley. He attributed the increase in abandonments to economic hardships, leading people to relinquish their pets. Schweiger shared his personal experience of rescuing rabbits dumped in his own neighborhood, which motivated him to start the rescue organization.

Bunnies Matter currently cares for over 70 rabbits. The rescue relies on donations to cover the costs of spaying and neutering the rabbits, which can range from $300 to $500 per rabbit.

The rescue shelter is located at Floyd Lamb Park, a location provided by the city in 2019 after a surge in abandoned rabbits. Bunnies Matter continues to work tirelessly to provide care and find loving homes for these vulnerable animals.

Source: Fox 5 Vegas