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County needs homes for 500 confiscated rabbits
The Jackson County Animal Shelter has more bunnies that you can shake a carrot stick at. They're looking for good homes for the animals seized in an animal neglect case. By JILL BRISKEY Wanted: good homes for 500 rabbits in all colors, shapes and sizes. The Jackson County Animal Shelter is literally filled to the brim with furry bunnies in desperate need of permanent homes. Some of the rabbits must be adopted by experienced handlers who can properly groom a long-haired bunny or treat various medical ailments. Others, however, require only a little tender loving care. "It's very important that we find proper homes for them," director Colleen Macuk has said. "These rabbits are pets." Approximately 300 rabbits - mostly Angoras - were seized from the home of Rogue River resident Diane L. Scott in August. The animal neglect case began in spring when a neighbor complained about the rabbits' living conditions. Animal control officials said they were forced to euthanize some of Scott's suffering rabbits. Others, they said, were malnourished, suffered from disease or parasites or required extensive grooming. Wednesday, Scott pleaded no contest to a charge of first-degree animal neglect in Jackson County Circuit Court. Scott was given five years of probation, 80 hours of community service and ordered to turn over her remaining pets to Jackson County. Scott - who did not know the judge would order her to forfeit her remaining pets or ban her from owning animals - said she plans to appeal and sue the county for seizing her rabbits. Animal control officers on Thursday took more than 200 rabbits from Scott's home to the shelter at 5595 S. Pacific Highway. Attempts to contact animal control officials to learn about the conditions of the additional rabbits were unsuccessful. Scott also was ordered to pay restitution for the rabbits' care. Assistant County Counsel Debbie Minder said an exact figure was not available. However, Minder said Scott has already paid approximately $4,910 in "civil forfeitures" but details were unavailable Thursday. Scott will be required to pay an estimated $2,000 to $3,000 more, Minder said. Veterinary care alone has totaled almost $1,000. Money taken from the shelter's general fund and donations have been used to pay for the rabbits' upkeep. Inmates from the county corrections center in Talent have provided daily care, and rabbit experts have also volunteered time. However Minder said the county is not equipped to house rabbits and is anxious to find permanent homes. "These rabbits were costing a whole lot of money but we certainly want to make sure they get good homes," Minder said. "Everyone wants to see things turn out all right." Medford resident Betsy Brown has been following the rabbits' story and stopped by the shelter Thursday to adopt a few of then. Brown spent a few minutes looking at a cage filled with baby rabbits competing for her attention before moving on. Brown - a rabbit lover who already owns three - said she came to adopt a "misfit." "I always do seem to pick those," she said. "Every animal at my house is one nobody wanted, so they should fit right in." The rabbits are free to a good home. New owners must bring an animal carrier and sign a pledge to care for the animal. Residents cannot adopt more than five rabbits. However, people who are part of an animal organization (such as 4-H) or who prove they are qualified to shelter more than five animals can adopt up to 10. Residents interested in adoption are urged to call 774-6655 Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail jbriskey@mailtribune.com |
