02/20/2018
In December Josh and I had the opportunity to visit what's known as the "Vegas Bunny Dumpsite" in suburban Las Vegas. Over the years, hundreds upon hundreds of bunnies have been abandoned there by their owners. They then do what bunnies do best and create more bunnies. Multiple rescue groups work hard to feed, water, and rescue these bunnies, giving them the medical care they need and ultimately finding them new forever homes.
On February 16, a Public Health Notice was issued by the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services declaring these once-pets dangerous disease carriers and demanded all feeding and contact stop. They would be "removing" them in short order. Within 36 hours, as of Sunday morning, hundreds of rabbits were gone and dozens of bunnies were found dead amidst plates of anti-freeze covered veggies and suspicious pellets. The city of Las Vegas is denying any involvement, and it is indeed unclear who is behind the removal and death (poisoning?) of the rabbits found dead.
The rescue groups are working overtime to catch the remaining rabbits before they meet a tragic fate, and to care for the sick bunnies among the living. Time is literally running out for these kind and gentle bunnies.
If you'd like to donate to help these rescue groups, you are welcome to do so. The one I'm personally acquainted with is Rusty & Furriends, run by Erin Urano. (Though all the Vegas Dumpsite bunny groups would welcome your donation. We're all in this together...)
I've attached some of my favorite photos from our trip to feed the bunnies. Hopefully you can see their curious and kind personalities through these images. Feel free to share as you see fit to raise awareness of these alarming events.
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How to donate:
• GOFUNDME.
This crowdfund was initiated by Rabbit Rescue Inc to help fund the transport of 25 of our dumpsite bunnies to Ontario where they will be vetted and adopted out.
https://www.gofundme.com/transport-for-vegas-bunnies
• PAYPAL. If you choose “Send money to a friend” there are no fees on either end.
Direct to Erin Urano of Rusty & Furrriends: PayPal.me/bunnywunder
***Covers feed store purchases, fresh veggies, transport costs, and other miscellaneous costs.
Direct to vet: [email protected] ***Please note in the memo: ERIN’S DUMPSITE BUNNIES and/or the specific bunny’s name so they know what account to put money on.
• CHECK BY MAIL. Southern Hills Animal Hospital, c/o ERIN’S DUMPSITE BUNNIES, 6545 S. Fort Apache Road, Ste. 150, Las Vegas, NV 89148 (ph # is 702-586-1300) Email address is [email protected]
• AMAZON WISH LISTS
Vegas Feral Bunnies http://a.co/j0l3NB2 or click the SHOP NOW button at the top of our page
Baby Silo http://a.co/6ETU8YH
Domino http://a.co/18YjxPF
• BUY A BUNNY ER KIT. $65 includes a full kit, shipped ANYWHERE in the US via Priority Mail. ALL proceeds go to helping these dumped bunnies or will be donated to a deserving rescue organization. Bunny Emergency/1st Aid Kits https://www.facebook.com/savinglittlelives
• SHARE, SHARE, SHARE. We have been able to help these bunnies through building a network of furriends and resources. Sharing their story helps expand the network.
Many thanks to all those who are helping in their cause.
Taken for Rusty & Furriends rescue.
All images property of Erin Waggoner, Paw Prints Pet Portraiture LLC. Contact for publication rights.
