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Adopt a Refugee Rabbit

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 2011/279/LHC/
October 6, 2011

Adopt a  Refugee Rabbit
Recent Floods Cause Influx of Rabbits at Animal Shelter

               

              Brownie                                                            Floppy

             The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is hosting a special adoption event beginning Friday, October 7 after it received an influx of rabbits following floods that overtook a Fairfax County home. The rabbits’ cages filled with water and the owner could no longer care for the animals. Currently, there are 15 rabbits available for adoption at the shelter.

            To help find homes for these displaced animals, the shelter is hosting a special rabbit adoption event October 7 – 14. As part of the event, each rabbit will come with its own habitat including a cage and water bottle. New adopters will also receive a voucher for a free spay or neuter for their new pet (a value of up to $250).

            Before adopting a rabbit, make sure to do some research about owning rabbits as pets. Shelter officials advise the following information about owning a pet rabbit:

• Rabbits are social creatures and require love, attention and play
• Rabbits frighten easily and should be provided a safe place to live with a hiding place in their living space
• Rabbits need plenty of food (pellets), fresh water, and regular exercise.
• Rabbits love to chew and therefore should be watched closely if allowed to roam freely in the home.

            “Most people know that our shelter has cats and dogs available for adoption, but many don’t know that we also have small mammals available too,” says Dr. Karen Diviney, director of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. “We want to find homes for these animals and let people know they can make wonderful pets.”

            The shelter also has other small animals, such a guinea pigs, reptiles and birds available for adoption.

            To view animals available for adoption, visit the shelter Tuesdays through Fridays 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. or see them online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/animal/adoption.htm

            For more information, call the Fairfax County Animal Shelter at 703-830-1100.