Free Bunnies In San Francisco

SAN FRANISCO — San Francisco's bountiful bunny population is causing headaches at the city's animal shelter and officials are asking for help.

The San Francisco Animal Care and Control shelter says it's overwhelmed with small critters, especially rabbits, and is waiving fees for qualified adopters to encourage people to come take them off their hands.

Officials say other shelters and rescue organizations are struggling with a similar population boom, exacerbated by the number of rabbits being dumped in parks and rescued from hoarding situations and irresponsible breeders.

Also, the rabbit's legendary powers of procreation means that a single litter can be from five to 12 "kits" after just a one-month gestation period, SFACC officials said.

The shelter's rabbit population reached crisis levels recently after a group of community members banded together to rescue multiple animals that were abandoned in Golden Gate Heights Park.

Currently there are nearly 40 bunnies at the shelter and SFACC spokesperson Deb Campbell says more could come in at any moment.

Additionally, SFACC has been at-capacity for guinea pigs for more than a year and a half, Campbell said.

People who want to welcome a rabbit into their lives should make sure they have all the supplies ready to go, including cages, food, hay and bedding.

"They should take it slow and allow the rabbit to acclimate to their new environment and their new people," Campbell said.

Rabbits are not fond of being carried around as they have fragile backs but they love to sit quietly on a lap while being brushed or petted.

"Parents should supervise children when they interact with the new rabbit until everyone adjusts to the routine," she said.

During the adoption process, shelter staff will qualify someone as an adopter by making sure they can have pets where they live, they are ready to care for an animal and that other people in the home are also ready for a new furry roommate.

The normal adoption fee, which is being waived, is $35.50.

The shelter's rabbits are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated against RHDV2, a deadly virus that affects rabbits, Campbell said.

The shelter is open daily from noon to 5 p.m. and people should arrive at least an hour before closing to complete an adoption.

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