A London-based animal rescue group is ending its efforts to save rabbits that are overpopulating Ridgetown.
This past weekend, Hoppy Hearts volunteers and other animal rescue groups were able to save 11 of more than 200 feral rabbits that have been breeding in the township for the last two years.
But President Kaylie MacIntosh says a lack of resources has forced them to end their involvement in the matter.
"We're looking at the rabbits, we've noticed we're running into issues in terms of where we can place them, where we're going to find the money to vet, spay/neuter, and look after any injuries," says MacIntosh.
Given the animals' short gestation period, MacIntosh is worried about pregnant rabbits filling up their shelters with more bunnies. The animals they've already rescued have urinary tract infections, as well as fleas and mites.
"This is something that should have been looked after when it first started, to nip it in the bud," says MacIntosh. "Compared to now, where these rabbits have been breeding uncontrollably and causing a large issue."
The 11 rabbits have been put into the care of Little Friends Rescue in Niagara, the Alliston Humane Society, and the Hoppy Hearts shelter in London.
MacIntosh says they were able to speak with the Chatham-Kent OSPCA. Officials told her they can't intervene unless the municipality instructs them to do so. Councillor Dave VanDamme has voiced his interest in getting rid of the rabbits, but his motion never got off the ground at a recent CK council meeting.
