GOWANUS — Nearly 50 bunnies rescued from an accused animal abuser have found new forever homes, but more are still in need.
Forty-eight rabbits were adopted at two adoption events Saturday hosted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, an ASPCA spokeswoman said Monday.
The cottontails were among nearly 180 rabbits that were rescued from behind a tire shop in Gowanus in early 2015. The rabbits' former owner, Dorota Trec, is awaiting trial on animal cruelty charges.
Her former pets were found to be suffering from injuries and illnesses — including syphilis — but they've been nursed back to health and are ready for new homes now.
Some of the bunnies are being cared for at the Ani-Care Animal Hospital in Dallastown, Pennsylvania. The hospital announced Sunday that more of the Gowanus rabbits will be available for adoption over the next month.
Potential adoptees can view profiles of the rabbits on the Ani-Care Animal Hospital's Petfinder page.
There were a total of 51 rabbits up for adoption at the ASPCA-hosted events this past weekend. The three bunnies that didn't find new homes were a mother and two daughters. The fluffy family is a "bonded trio" and they must be adopted as a group, an ASPCA spokesowoman said.
The mother rabbit, Rose, likes to eat and her new home will need enough space for her to exercise so she can shed a few pounds, according to an online profile of the rabbits. Rita is "a little shy" while Ria is "friendly and inquisitive," the online bio states.
