Operation Rabbit Relief: Local animal shelters team up after more than 150 rabbits are rescued from BV’s home

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – 3 local animal shelters are teaming up to help spay and neuter some rabbits after more than 150 rabbits were rescued from a Virginia Beach home late last month.

The rabbits were taken from an owner who needed help with the “overwhelming quantity” of rabbits inside the residence.

Entitled “Operation Rabbit Relief,” the project includes the Virginia Beach SPCA, Norfolk SPCA and PETA who will sterilize and sterilize along with other medical care needed for a total of 29 rabbits. All medical services are expected to be completed by July 26.

Rabbits have a very short gestation period (pregnancy) of 28 to 35 days. Officials say that is why veterinary staff are working hard to sterilize and neuter them before they are adopted.

Virginia Beach SPCA CEO Derby Brackett called the operation critical to preventing more unwanted animals in the community which is already saturated with animal roaming.

The Virginia Beach SPCA will provide sterilization and spaying services to 12 rabbits and put 14 baby rabbits into the foster network until they are ready for the adoption process.

All medical services provided as part of the operation will be free for future rabbit owners.

Authorities hope the story will remind residents to neuter and neuter their animal companions.