22 bunnies rescued in Parktown North and looking for new homes
PARKTOWN NORTH – Founder of Berario Bunnies Meahni Pieterse said that the overpopulation of these bunnies is a major problem as they are exotic, domesticated animals that should not be living feral.
Over 20 bunnies have been rescued in Parktown North thanks to the efforts of a few residents and NPO Berario Bunnies.
A resident of 1st Avenue East Steve Kelly said that he spotted bunnies foraging in driveways and creeping into his garden after they were presumably abandoned in the area.
“The bunnies would regularly come into my garden and my neighbour’s garden. They were very cute, but I was worried. Every week, there were more bunnies. We had to do something,” said Kelly.
The rescued bunnies are currently housed at Berario Bunnies in Fairland and will be sterilised while they wait to find a forever family.
Founder of Berario Bunnies Meahni Pieterse said that the overpopulation of these bunnies is a major problem as they are exotic, domesticated animals that should not be living feral.
Pieterse said the long-fur bunnies discovered in Parktown North need regular grooming two or three times a week and cannot be left on the streets.
“If they don’t get groomed, their fur mats very badly causing large knotted chunks of fur that hangs off their bodies, pulling at their skin, and in some cases even causing bleeding,” she explained.
Kelly advises bunny owners to ensure that their property is bunny proofed so that the furry animals cannot escape.
Pieterse says that bunnies, especially female ones, are very prone to cancer so sterilising them not only reduces overpopulation but also reduces their risk of cancer.
“So many people get bunnies for their kids not doing their homework beforehand… only to discover they live for 10 to 12 years and not just two or three, they become very hormonal once their reproductive system kicks in and then become unpopular, unwanted pets who nine out of 10 times get dumped somewhere in the veld, causing endless suffering for them.
“I get three or four calls a week to remove bunnies from properties. I simply cannot cope.
“People need to sterilise their pets and they must not dump them but rather take them to a rescue organisation, find them another home or take them to the SPCA.”
Pieterse advises community members to consider adopting a bunny since they are clever, inquisitive and social animals who can even learn to come when you call their name.
They are, however, not fans of being picked up.
Pieterse said it is sad for her to see many bunnies confined to a hutch or cage.
“They should never be caged. They need space. They want to run and be part of the family. They can be litter box trained and do almost anything for a treat.”
To find out more about adopting one of the Parktown North rescued bunnies, WhatsApp Meahni on 083 679 2243.
