Large Surrender Cases Strain Physical, Financial Resources at MSPCA
August 2, 2010
Latest single surrender of 51 rabbits, 11 chinchillas indicates overcrowding in home
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| A kitten from one of the large surrenders required surgery to remove an extremely infected eye. The MSPCA is asking for donations to help cover the costs of care for these large surrenders. |
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The MSPCA Noble Family Animal Care and Adoption Center in Methuen is stretching its physical and financial resources as an unusual trend forms involving the surrender of dozens of animals by single pet owners. The most recent surrender from a single pet owner involves 51 rabbits and 11 chinchillas, many in need of quarantine and extensive medical care.
The past few months began what is notoriously the busiest time of year for adoption centers and shelters across Massachusetts as spring turns to summer. In just two months, six individuals surrendered more than 100 cats, kittens, rabbits, and other small animals in unrelated cases to the MSPCA’s Methuen based adoption center. Several of the surrenders involved the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement officers conducting outreach and helping to coordinate the signing over of animals in need of medical care.
“The MSPCA’s four Animal Care and Adoption Centers create Massachusetts’ only network of open admission care providers for homeless animals,” said Mike Keiley, Director of the Noble Family Animal Care & Adoption Center. “Since we operate the only facilities that will never turn away an animal in need, in these extreme cases of neglect we are capable of caring for numerous large surrenders.”
In all six recent cases, the animals suffered from conditions frequently seen in overcrowded homes, including respiratory illnesses, parasites, and eye infections. Several cases were severe including the need for the MSPCA veterinary staff to conduct emergency surgery to remove the eye from a six-week-old kitten (pictured right).
However, the recent case involving 51 rabbits and 11 chinchillas from a single home has impacted the Noble Family Animal Care and Adoption Center most significantly. Almost all of the rabbits have contracted Pasteurella, manifested primarily as an upper respiratory infection and commonly accompanied by systemic abscesses. Dozens of the rabbits have undergone surgery to repair abscesses found on their eyes, mammary glands, and additional internal organs. The disease is easily spread and the MSPCA’s staff has limited public access to its Rabbit Adoption room. The organization is seeking foster homes prepared to manage multiple medications and lengthy recovery times for the rabbits.
“History has taught us to watch for trends, such as these types of large surrenders, as indicators of regional activity,” Keiley added. “Our Law Enforcement officers help us assist pet owners statewide in understanding responsible pet ownership including spaying or neutering an animal to help control pet overpopulation and the need for consistent medical care.”
Financial contributions to the MSPCA’s Angels for Animals Fund, which provides medical care for animals at the adoption center, are also needed to help offset the mounting costs of recovery and rehabilitation. Click here to donate or contact the Noble Family Animal Care and Adoption Center at (978) 687-7453 x6101.
The MSPCA is also asking for the public’s help hoping that those who are interested in foster care may step forward. To learn more about the MSPCA’s Foster Program, visit www.mspca.org/foster. In addition, all of the rabbits have been listed on the MSPCA’s “Available Animals” Web page to help them find homes more quickly once recovery is complete. Those interested in adoption are encouraged to visit www.mspca.org/nevins to view the rabbits, including some uncommon breeds, and to fill out an adoption application at the Noble Family Animal Care and Adoption Center.
