Pet Rabbits Dumped in Irving Park Lot, Shelter Scrambles to Help Them

CHICAGO — At least nine domestic rabbits were dumped in an Irving Park parking lot last week, and a shelter representative worries there are — or were — more to be found.

"We always worry about how many were there, really? Are they still out there?" said Marcia Coburn, president of Red Door Animal Shelter.

Seven rabbits were rescued and are being rehabilitated at the Rogers Park animal shelter at 2410 W. Lunt Ave.

Red Door began getting calls from residents about the loose rabbits May 5. The abandoned animals were approaching people and begging for food, Coburn said.

Kyla Gardner says the shelter was already overwhelmed by Easter pets:

"I'm sure it's shocking to look out your window and see a big group of rabbits milling about in the parking lot," Coburn said.

The search by shelter volunteers and neighbors near California Avenue and Irving Park Road lasted for several days.

Five rabbits were corralled in the parking lot, one was found in a garden, another had climbed up a building staircase and one was in Horner Park.

One died shortly after being captured. The ninth was hit by a car.

The shelter disposed of the rabbit bodies humanely, and the seven who survived have intestinal parasites. Some have bite marks and ear infections, Coburn said in an email to supporters.

Jackalope, Long Tall Sally, Squirrel, Caesar, Bert, Duncan and Alex need four-six weeks of care before they are adoptable.

The rabbits range from three months old to three years old and are of several different breeds, Coburn said.

Since Easter, the animal shelter has been taking in an unwanted pet rabbit every two days, which is a higher volume than seen in previous years.

With the seven additional rabbits rescued from Irving Park, "it's been a huge hit to our rescue budget," Coburn said.

Red Door is asking for volunteer foster homes, donations toward its vet bill at Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital and donations to the shelter directly.

Dumping animals is against the law, according to the Illinois Humane Animal Care Act.

Coburn urged anyone feeling overwhelmed by their pets to reach out for help.

Even if a shelter can't take in all the animals immediately, they can work with the owner toward a solution.

"Call Red Door, call the Anti-Cruelty Society, call Paws Chicago, or Tree House," Coburn said. "There’s help. Just call somebody. Don’t abandon the animals outside."

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