2008 Woodie Awards
Staff tries to save rabbits
Viviana Gonzalez
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: News
Abandoned bunnies at the LAC have become a problem particularly after Easter when they are purchased and then cast aside when people tire of them.
Jacque Olson, physical education secretary, said, "This problem is happening on a regular basis and is illegal and there is a $1,000 fine for this."
Olson used to rescue rabbits and take them home, but now feeds them fruits and vegetables.
She said, "The people who are dropping of bunnies aren't setting them free. The rabbits are being set up to be tortured. The abandoned rabbit is exposed to predators like coyotes, foxes and hawks. A rabbit is no different than a pet dog or a cat."
LBCC student Veronica Galvez said, "This is wrong because it's the person's responsibility to take care of it and it's very sad."
Olson said, "Grass and water isn't enough for an abandoned rabbit. They do usually starve and get very weak. Feral cats, which are wild cats that roam the LAC, have attacked and eaten baby bunnies."
Olson added, "The public needs to be informed to never abandon their pets. It's a shame. I can't ever imagine abandoning a pet."
Campus police haven't noticed an increase in bunnies being abandoned.
On Monday, April 7, in a phone interview, Lt. Julie Prior said, "We have not received any calls regarding people on campus dropping off rabbits."
Carol Titchener, Bookstore customer service supervisor. often feeds and medicates bunnies when they have ear mites.
She said, "We discourage abandoning bunnies because they are very territorial and the bunnies who are already here tend to attack the new arrivals."
Titchener discussed a situation where a rabbit was saved.
She said, "A student found an abandoned bunny and told me and I kept it in an enclosed area in a cage for a day by the Bookstore. Volunteer coordinator Pat Hicks, found a student who rescued and adopted the bunny."
A bunny fund is located in the LAC Bookstore. The money raised is used for veterinarian bills and food.
Olson may be contacted at 938-4370 or jolson@lbcc.edu.
Jacque Olson, physical education secretary, said, "This problem is happening on a regular basis and is illegal and there is a $1,000 fine for this."
Olson used to rescue rabbits and take them home, but now feeds them fruits and vegetables.
She said, "The people who are dropping of bunnies aren't setting them free. The rabbits are being set up to be tortured. The abandoned rabbit is exposed to predators like coyotes, foxes and hawks. A rabbit is no different than a pet dog or a cat."
LBCC student Veronica Galvez said, "This is wrong because it's the person's responsibility to take care of it and it's very sad."
Olson said, "Grass and water isn't enough for an abandoned rabbit. They do usually starve and get very weak. Feral cats, which are wild cats that roam the LAC, have attacked and eaten baby bunnies."
Olson added, "The public needs to be informed to never abandon their pets. It's a shame. I can't ever imagine abandoning a pet."
Campus police haven't noticed an increase in bunnies being abandoned.
On Monday, April 7, in a phone interview, Lt. Julie Prior said, "We have not received any calls regarding people on campus dropping off rabbits."
Carol Titchener, Bookstore customer service supervisor. often feeds and medicates bunnies when they have ear mites.
She said, "We discourage abandoning bunnies because they are very territorial and the bunnies who are already here tend to attack the new arrivals."
Titchener discussed a situation where a rabbit was saved.
She said, "A student found an abandoned bunny and told me and I kept it in an enclosed area in a cage for a day by the Bookstore. Volunteer coordinator Pat Hicks, found a student who rescued and adopted the bunny."
A bunny fund is located in the LAC Bookstore. The money raised is used for veterinarian bills and food.
Olson may be contacted at 938-4370 or jolson@lbcc.edu.
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