In the past month, Reno Rabbit Rescue has assisted Washoe County Animal Services (WCAS) with the intake of abandoned rabbits, and the numbers keep growing. First, it was seven long-haired rabbits dumped in a box. Then, just last week, another 17 lionhead rabbits were found in the same area, also left in a box and taken to WCAS.
All of these rabbits appear to be under four months old and share similar markings, suggesting they came from the same irresponsible breeder. They are currently being held at WCAS for the mandatory stray hold period, which ends on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Domestic Rabbits Can’t Survive in the Wild
Unlike wild cottontail rabbits and hares, which have natural camouflage to help them survive, domestic rabbits stand out and are easy prey for predators like dogs, cats, birds of prey, raccoons, and coyotes. Abandoning a domestic rabbit isn’t just cruel—it’s a crime.
According to Nevada State Statutes Chapter 574, animal abandonment is a misdemeanor punishable by fines of up to $1,000, jail time, and community service.
“This Has to Stop”
Carly Neubert, founder of Reno Rabbit Rescue, is calling for an end to this reckless breeding and abandonment.
“This has to stop. Someone is irresponsibly breeding rabbits and letting them loose. The financial burden then falls on Washoe County Animal Services to house and feed them until they can be transferred to a rescue partner like Reno Rabbit Rescue. Once in rescue care, the cost in time and money falls on the rescue and the community to care for this large amount of bunnies.”
While the City of Reno banned the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in 2022, a loophole still allows backyard breeders to breed and sell rabbits—or worse, dump them in public places when they become too much to handle.
The Fast and Out-of-Control Reality of Rabbit Breeding
Rabbits are one of the most rapidly reproducing animals in the world.
- A female rabbit can get pregnant on the same day she gives birth.
- Rabbits can breed every 30 days.
- A single litter can have 2–15 kits.
If left unchecked, a handful of rabbits can quickly turn into hundreds, making this an urgent issue.
Medical Care and the Cost of Rescue
To ensure the health of these rescued rabbits, Mountain View Animal Hospital is partnering with Reno Rabbit Rescue to vaccinate them against RHDV2, a deadly rabbit virus.
But that’s just the beginning.
Reno Rabbit Rescue is preparing to vaccinate, spay, and neuter all 17 lionhead rabbits in preparation for adoption. The estimated cost for basic care alone is over $6,000, with additional medical expenses pushing the total to $10,000.
How You Can Help
Reno Rabbit Rescue is urgently seeking donations to cover the cost of medical care, food, and supplies for these rescued rabbits.
To donate, you can:
📲 Use Zeffy: Support Reno Rabbit Rescue
🌍 Visit our website: www.RenoRabbitRescue.org
Every dollar helps these rabbits get the care they deserve.
Let’s stop the cycle of abandonment and give these bunnies a second chance at a safe and loving home.
📺 Media Coverage:
📢 Press Releases: Update Press Release
