Organization Seeks Loving, Permanent Homes for Lucky Survivors
BOSTON and Centerville, Mass. Dec. 14, 2015 – Five Angora rabbits are recovering at the MSPCA-Cape Cod after they were rescued by the Truro police department this fall from deplorable conditions in a Truro, Mass. basement, the organization announced today.
Having cured the rabbits of various health issues, the adoption center staff hopes to place them all into new homes for the Holidays.
“Matted, sick and scared”
Eight Angora rabbits were rescued from a basement in Truro, Mass. on Sept. 4. Six were taken to the MSPCA-Cape Cod and two were brought to the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s shelter in Brewster, Mass. One rabbit from each organization has since been adopted.
According to Mary Sarah Fairweather, director of the animal care and adoption center at the MSPCA-Cape Cod, the rabbits were in rough shape upon arrival. “All six were suffering from skin infections brought on by the dirty environment in which they were kept, requiring our team treat them daily for five weeks—and one of them needed extensive dental work,” said Fairweather. “Obviously during this time they were not candidates for adoption, which is why they’ve been with us for quite a while now.”
Fairweather also pointed to the space limitations in the current adoption center which made housing and treating the rabbits more taxing for humans and the animals alike. “What we don’t have now is species-specific housing, so these sick and scared rabbits are living in our lobby—with a variety of other animals,” she said. This made treating them more difficult than it would have been if we had a dedicated treatment and recovery room.”
The MSPCA-Cape Cod is in the midst of a $5 million capital campaign—dubbed the Campaign for Cape Cod—to build an all-new state-of-the-art center which will include separate treatment and housing options for rabbits. The campaign has already raised over $2.27 million toward its goal. “When I look at these beautiful rabbits I realize just how badly we need more space and options to help animals like these.”
The Road Ahead
Angora rabbits are known for their luxurious coats, which are often fashioned into linings for gloves, coats and other accessories after the rabbits are killed. The rabbits rescued by the MSPCA-Cape Cod, as well as the Animal Rescue League of Boston, will be adopted into safe and permanent homes.
And fortunately for the rabbits, finding new homes should not take long now that they are healed. Said Fairweather: “These rabbits are incredibly social and friendly. They love people, they’re curious toward everyone who approach their cages. After everything they’ve been through we’re committing to finding the best possible homes.
Adopters Wanted!
None of the rabbits are bonded pairs so all five are available for individual adoption. Would-be adopters can email capeadoptions@mspca.org for more information on the rabbits and the adoption process.
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The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mspcaangell
