CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A Chattanooga man who loved to keep rabbits as pets says that “got out of hand over time,” and animal control officials have been spending the past few days removing the bunnies from his home.

That’s according to the McKamey Animal Center (MAC), which says the man has been compliant and “wanted nothing more than his rabbits to find the loving homes that they each deserved.

A release from MAC says animal control officers continue to find rabbits burrowed into all manner of nooks and crannies inside the home, which is also not fit for the man to live in anymore.

The team has found rabbits and baby bunnies in nearly every crevice of the home – some have made their nests inside furniture pieces and in burrows that go under the structure of the house. We are doing everything we can to remove them as quickly and humanely as possible for evaluation,” said Lauren Mann, MAC Director of Advancement.

MAC says the rabbits are all colors, sizes and ages — ranging from just a few hours old to a few years old.

MAC is getting help with this situation from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in removing the animals.

We are so thankful for the response and efforts of the HSUS,” said MAC Executive Director, Inga Fricke. “The house is sadly in deplorable condition and is not suited for animals or humans to reside in at this time.
MAC says the tenant of the home “has been compliant and grateful for the assistance.”

He told officers “it was a situation that simply got out of hand over time when his health declined and he had no outside support.”

At first, the man hesitated to reach out, out for fear of what would happen to his beloved pets.

But MAC says when he finally decided it was time for help, he shared with the MAC and the HSUS teams that he wanted nothing more than his rabbits to find the loving homes that they each deserved.

“We would like to remind people to check on their neighbors, loved ones and family members. If you or someone you know is struggling to care for their pets, please reach out. We, and most all animal shelters, are here and happy to provide assistance. We want to do everything we can to help prevent these devastating situations if possible,” said Mann.
Right now, MAC says there isn’t a need for volunteer or adopter support for the rabbits, but could use donation of money and items to help set the rabbits up for success. The rabbits are being kept at an undisclosed location so veterinarians can evaluate and treat them.

MAC says many of the rabbits will be sent to rescue partners around the South Eastern region of the country through the HSUS’ network.

MAC says it does plan to keep some of the rabbits to adopt out into loving homes in the near future.