Overwhelmed Chattanooga man finds help for 100+ pet rabbits

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. ( WATE ) — The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which is assisting the McKamey Animal Center (MAC) in the ongoing rescue of more than 100 pet rabbits from a Chattanooga home , is sharing the rabbits’ caregiver’s story after he reached out for help.

The caregiver, identified only as Mike, had recently reached out to MAC after he became overwhelmed by the pet rabbits in his home. The animal shelter and HSUS responded to the home and began the rescue process Tuesday.

HSUS said in an update Wednesday that Mike told first responders at the rescue scene his health challenges contributed to the pet rabbit population growing out of control in his home. Mike also told HSUS that he was focused on what was best for the rabbits and that the animals would get more attention in new homes than one person could provide.

“The key thing for me though, with all these guys, is to know they’re finding good safe homes. That’s all I’ve ever wanted,” Mike told the HSUS rescuers. “It’s an absolute miracle that you guys have stepped in to do this.”

Mike also shared that a conversation with a friend led him to ask for help. Rabbits are special to Mike because his first pet rabbit, a 17-pound French Lop, helped him with his sobriety 30 years ago.

He shared that back in the early 90s, he had bought the rabbit on a whim because he didn’t like seeing her in a cage, then on the way back to his motel, his car broke down near a bar. As he waited for AAA to respond, he knew he couldn’t leave the rabbit in the car to go have a drink. So he stayed with his new furry friend in the car – and in sobriety.

“That sense of responsibility is what helped keep me sober,” Mike said, adding that he started keeping rabbits as pets ever since.

In recent years, though, because of Mike’s health issues, the number of rabbits in his home got out of control and he realized it could not continue. The rabbits that have been taken are currently in the care of veterinary personnel so they can get ready for adoption.

According to HSUS, veterinarians are beginning in-depth exams of the rabbits, which will receive flea treatment, topical eye medication to treat infections and any other treatment for medical issues identified by veterinarians.

“After a flurry of activity during the rescue operation, we enjoyed starting our day watching the bunnies nibble on their hay, burrow in their bedding, snuggle with their littermates and explore their environment,” Audra Houghton, director of operations for HSUS Animal Rescue Team, said. “We are looking forward to getting a more clear picture of their health status as we conduct in-depth veterinary exams today.”

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