20 domestic rabbits abandoned at Davis Co. trailhead, shelter overflows

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Twenty domestic rabbits were found abandoned at a Davis County trailhead, causing an overflow at the local shelter, according to the Humane Society of Utah .

Animal Care of Davis County rescued the abandoned rabbits and sent out a request for help to avoid overcrowding in the shelter.

The Humane Society announced on Thursday that it set up emergency housing and took in nine rabbits and several guinea pigs to help create space in the local shelter.

The rescued rabbits are currently in quarantine for two weeks in case they picked up any diseases while abandoned, after which they will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.

“We are fortunate to have the capacity to care for these rabbits, even though we had to set up emergency housing,” said Juli Ulvestad, pet resource center director at the Humane Society of Utah. “However, the extended care required for these animals is placing a strain on our resources. We are reaching out to the community for support.”

Holding the rabbits in quarantine is an expensive process, according to the press release. It said it will cost the organization more than $3,700 in addition to the regular costs of caring for the animals.

The Humane Society said their adoptable rabbit area is also currently full with 34 rabbits available for adoption. The organization encourages anyone who is interested in adopting a rabbit to visit either the Humane Society of Utah or the Animal Care of Davis County.

Those interested in adopting or donating can also visit the organization’s website here .

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