Rabbit Rescue by Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary

August 10, 2010

Whether they’re large or small, PetSmart Charities® doesn’t discriminate when it comes to the animals assisted by its emergency relief efforts. Recently, the Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary in Scottsdale, Ariz., was contacted about a situation in Phoenix where more than 100 bunnies, including numerous pregnant females, were found in burrows, trying to escape the blazing summer heat.

Volunteers spent two days catching the bunnies and separating them by gender, ensuring no new pregnancies. Health exams began immediately and spay/neuter surgeries quickly followed.  Two bunnies, Rose and Henry, required eye surgery, and five of the babies are now being treated for ringworm and parasites.

PetSmart Charities was happy to step up and provide the Sanctuary with a $3,500 emergency grant, along with much needed food, hay, litter, litter pans and carriers.  As the largest funder of companion-animal welfare efforts in North America, the emergency relief program was established to help animals like these, who are displaced and/or suffering as a result of natural or man-made disasters.

“Thank you so much PetSmart Charities for your very generous donation to our emergency rescue of over 100 bunnies from one backyard,” said Kelly Ames of the Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary. “We are so grateful for your assistance! Thank you for helping us to help these bunnies!”

Many of these affectionately called “backyard bunnies” are currently being fostered. Two have already been adopted, and many more will be available in the coming weeks following their recovery from spay/neuter surgery.

Although some of these bunnies are already on their way to lifelong, loving homes, there is still work to be done. The Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary continues to provide care. To learn more, visit www.tranquilitytrail.org.