The rabbits did not have any bedding; they were walking on their own feces, and that's why many of the rabbits also arrived at the Animal Welfare's shelter with urine-stained feet.Photo: Dyreværnet.
36 rabbits rescued from miserable conditions on balcony in Nørrebro
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A total of 36 rabbits were found crammed into small cages on a balcony in an apartment in Nørrebro last Friday. The animals were accidentally discovered by a police officer who was at the address for an entirely different matter. The rabbits were immediately handed over to the police animal welfare unit and then to Dyreværnet, where several had to be put down due to injuries and distress.
“Thanks to the police’s vigilance concerning another case, these rabbits were discovered on a balcony. There they stood, crammed together in cages that were too small – and too many together, and fortunately, the police quickly mobilized the animal welfare unit to the address,” says Claus Thomsen, an emergency responder at Dyreværnet.
Thomsen was contacted by the police on his way to work and had to turn around to pick up the animals. He further explains:
“With a solid effort from the police, we quickly get the rabbits into the animal ambulance and off to Dyreværnet in Rødovre. Unfortunately, we had to euthanize several rabbits upon arrival at the shelter, partly due to the very close quarters resulting in aggression injuries inflicted by other rabbits, but also due to lack of care and attention.”
The rabbits that survived are now under observation and will soon be available for adoption via Dyreværnet’s website. However, it won’t be just anyone who can take them home.
“Unfortunately, we’ve experienced this before, especially this year, where we’ve had three large rabbit cases. But we are here, as always, for the animals, and we will find good homes for all the rabbits. My colleagues made a massive, urgent effort last Friday, and they are highly motivated for the task,” says shelter manager Maria Rønde Jakobsen.
She also emphasizes that rabbits require responsible owners:
“But it won’t be just anyone, because rabbits are demanding pets, and it takes responsible individuals who are ready for the task and attentive to the many care and welfare needs a rabbit actually has.”
Dyreværnet has been involved in three cases this year, each involving more than 20 rabbits. The organization calls for political action and calls for clear regulations on rabbit ownership.
Along with the rabbits, two budgerigars were also rescued. They had been living in a cage covered with plastic wrap and are now in the care of the Reptile Shelter while waiting for new homes.
