OHS rabbit crisis intensifies with nearly 40 rabbits for adoption

The Ottawa Humane Society’s (OHS) rabbit crisis has ramped up with nearly 40 bunnies available for adoption.

In hopes of finding their forever homes, the OHS declared July 21-27 Rabbit Week, offering incentives for bunny adoption during this special week.

Until July 27, OHS is offering special incentives for those adopting a rabbit, including:

• A 20 per cent discount on their adoption fee
• A free bag of hay
• A farm Boy gift card to provide the first week of fresh veggies for their new rabbit
• Free access to the OHS’s new rabbit care webinar
• A new best friend

“Incredibly, the number of rabbits available for adoption is still rising year-over-year,” Stephen Smith, OHS senior manager of marketing and communications, told CityNews. “For the past three years, we’ve been up to our ears in bunnies.”

In efforts to address this surge in homeless bunnies, rabbit week has become an annual event at the humane society. Last year, 30 rabbits were available for adoption during this special week and in 2024, the OHS is seeing a 33 per cent increase.

According to Smith, there are some rabbits who have spent their entire life at the OHS.

“Willy and Newt were born at the OHS and have been here for more than a year. Our goal is to find them and many more rabbits their forever homes this week,” he said.

According to the organization, this proliferation in rabbits can likely be attributed to online breeders providing unsterilized pets to unsuspecting buyers. Additionally, sellers may be dumping their bunnies outdoors if they are unable to sell them quickly enough, wrote OHS in a press release.

“A few weeks ago, a rabbit was brought to the OHS after she was found on the side of the road in a garbage bag,” said Smith. “Not only was she abandoned, but she was pregnant and gave birth to eight rabbits in the home of one of our foster volunteers.”

The OHS noted that that rabbits make excellent pets, they are smart, social and comfortable in homes of all sizes. Surprising to many, rabbits can roam freely in homes, and can learn how to use a litter box.

All rabbits from the OHS are spayed/neutered, providing a significant savings for those interested in adopting.

Visit the OHS’s website to find out more about rabbit adoption. The OHS recommends adopting two, as rabbits love to have a furry friend.