Rabbits have overrun a suburban Florida community. Volunteers hop to the rescue

Dozens of domesticated rabbits are causing controversy and concern in the Jenada Isle neighborhood of Wilton Manors, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

A furry takeover: An alleged release of lionhead rabbits into the wild two years ago has resulted in the population outnumbering the 81 homes in the neighborhood.
* This has divided the local residents, with some threatening harm to the animals, others desiring to let them roam, and a group working to rescue and rehome them.

Rescue operations: The East Coast Rabbit Rescue (ECRR), a nonprofit organization, aims to rescue and rehome these rabbits and has successfully trapped 19 so far.
* Their rescue efforts have been complicated by opposition from some residents.
* They are seeking more cooperative involvement from the local city authorities.

Costly affair: The West Palm Beach-based rescue group has estimated a minimum of $40,000 would be needed to effectively neuter, spay, vaccinate, and microchip the more than 100 rabbits in the area.
* Each rabbit’s care costs between $200 to $300, not including any extra medical attention several bunnies require.
* To treat the animals which require the care of exotic veterinarians, sometimes located 3 to 4 hours away, ECRR is preparing for higher vet bills.

Animal invasion precedent: Wilton Manors’ councilmembers expressed concern about creating a policy to solve the rabbit problem as it might set a precedent for addressing other invasive animals in the area.

Community involvement: The ECRR is requesting the community’s help in terms of donations, supplies, and foster homes, stating “We will provide everything, you just need to love them.”

View original article on NPR

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