Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

75 Rabbits Rescued from Accused Animal Abuser Up For Adoption

By Leslie Albrecht | February 4, 2016 5:57pm
 Rodney is one of 75 rabbits up for adoption on Feb. 6.
Rodney is one of 75 rabbits up for adoption on Feb. 6. "He has some battle scars from previous injuries but his past doesn't seem to have made him bitter at all. He's quiet and sweet and looking for a comfortable loving home to finally call his own," according to Ani-Care Animal Hospital.
View Full Caption
Ani-Care Animal Hospital

GOWANUS — Dozens of rabbits rescued from an accused animal abuser will be looking for love and a forever home at a Valentine's Day-themed adoption event on Saturday.

Called "Buns 'n' Roses," the adoption party aims to find new owners for 75 rabbits that once belonged to a woman who's now facing trial on animal cruelty charges.

The event will feature a guest appearance by Cleo the Bunny, an extra fluffy English Angora rabbit with more than 23,000 Instagram followers.

Rabbits up for adoption on Saturday include the following, with descriptions provided by Ani-Care Animal Hospital:

• Yolanda, a "huge" female that's nervous at first but is "a total love" once she gets to know you.

• Roo, an adult male whose personality "runs the bunny spectrum from friendly to sassy to quiet."

• Big Grey, a "personable" male that likes head rubs, "seems to be emotional" and "may bond strongly with owner."

"Rabbits can make wonderful and unique pets — particularly for smaller spaces, like apartments," said Howard Lawrence, vice president of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Group. "We welcome everyone down to the event on Saturday to see if they can find their special bunny match. After more than a year of recovery, these rabbits are ready to leave their past behind and start new lives in loving, safe homes."

The NYPD and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals seized the rabbits from Gowanus in January 2015. Many of the animals were injured or sick (some even had syphilis) but since then they've been nursed back to health at various facilities, including Ani-Care Animal Hospital in Pennsylvania.

Ani-Care is co-hosting Saturday's adoption event along with the ASPCA and NYPD. There's a $25 adoption fee that includes a cage and water bottle, and owners must have a government-issued photo ID and proof of address to take a rabbit home with them.

The Buns 'n' Roses adoption event is on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the gymnasium of the candidate assessment building at the former police academy on East 20th Street between Second and Third avenues.