Tennessee man gives up more than 100 rabbits for adoption; some available through Richmond SPCA

More than 100 rabbits were rescued from an overwhelmed caregiver's home in Chattanooga, Tennessee recently, and some of them now are seeking new homes through the Richmond SPCA.

The owner, a man named Mike, realized that he needed help caring for his pets as their population grew out of control. He contacted the Humane Society of the United States, which has partnered with several shelters in the Southeast to ensure the adoption of the animals.

Some of the rabbits suffered from flea infestations, hair loss and other ailments.

“As with many of the rescue operations we take on, these conditions aren’t suitable for animals or humans to live in," said Jessica Johnson, senior director of the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team. "This one stands out because it was brought about by a caregiver recognizing he was beyond his capacity – he loves his pets enough to let them go so they can find homes where they can thrive,”

Mike told the Humane Society of the United States that one rabbit helped him save his life and his sobriety 30 years ago, because he had adopted the rabbit on a whim and his car broke down near a bar, but he realized he couldn't leave the animal by itself or bring it into the bar to have a drink. Instead, he called AAA and was taken home with the rabbit, avoiding the temptation to drink.

“It’s an absolute miracle that you guys have stepped in to do this and find good homes for them. That’s all I want. And all the people that these guys are going to make happy,” Mike said in a statement. “That’s what I try to picture with these guys leaving – it’s the best for everybody.”

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