Surrey Animal Shelter ‘bursting with bunnies,’ looking for help ahead of Easter
Posted April 13, 2022 4:48 pm.
Last Updated April 14, 2022 7:40 am.
The Easter Bunny might be visiting your family this weekend, but the Surrey Animal Resource Centre says they’re overrun right now with their own bunnies.
Shelley Joaquin heads the centre and says they’re housing 22 bunnies in animal pens around the shelter, but the facility is designed only to have four and eight bunnies.
“It definitely is a lot of work for staff trying to provide additional enrichment, so right now what we do is rotate the rabbits out into the exercise pens.”
Joaquin adds the animal centre has seen an increase in people abandoning and dropping off their bunnies lately — saying it’s been spiking over the past two years.
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In 2019, the Surrey shelter took in 60 rabbits which rose to 76 in 2020 and, in 2021, saw a total of 129.
Joaquin says many people say they didn’t realize how much work a bunny would be.
“I think a lot of people think they’re great pets for children,” she said. “They can be as long as the children understand it can’t be picked up all the time and cuddled.”
Media release: The Surrey Animal Resource Centre has seen a notable increase in abandoned rabbits and is putting out a plea for loving foster families. Read more:
— City of Surrey (@CityofSurrey) April 13, 2022
She also says it’s a myth a bunny will be fine if you just release them into the wild, saying those bunnies are not prepared for survival.
“I don’t think people realize how long they live. They do make wonderful pets, but it can be up to a 12-year commitment.”
If you have the time, space, and resources, Joaquin says they are desperately looking for fosters — you also can donate hay or veggies to the centre.
If you’d like to adopt a bunny, you can find more information by emailing adoption@surrey.ca, calling 604-574-6622 or visit surrey.ca/surrey-animal-resource-centre.
