Stratham, NH – On Friday, April 2nd the New Hampshire SPCA Field Services Division assisted the Farmington NH Police Department in removing rabbits from a home there. The police estimated that 20 rabbits were living in the home. However, upon entry, it was uncovered that over 60 rabbits would need to be captured and brought to safety.
In a separate incident, on Friday, April 9th, New Hampshire SPCA Field Services Division assisted the Pittsfield NH Police as they executed a search warrant at a residence there after a lengthy investigation by their Animal Control Officer and Police on suspicion of animal cruelty. During the execution of the warrant, one miniature horse, four standard horses and a mule were rescued from the property. The case is still under investigation by the police department.
Thirty-six of the rabbits came into the New Hampshire SPCA, while Pope Memorial Cocheco Valley Humane Society accepted 24. Upon initial exam by a veterinarian the rabbits, which included some very young bunnies, were found to be suffering with medical conditions requiring extensive medical care and quarantine for approximately 6 weeks. The thirty-six include one mother still nursing neonates. It is not yet known if any of the females are pregnant. Currently, the rabbits are separated in a clean and supportive space and receiving much needed food, water and medical care. The animals were surrendered by their owner who had become overwhelmed by the care needed.
The condition of the horses varies. No other information is available on their condition as we await the outcome of the equine veterinary reports. In the meantime, they too are receiving food, water and medical care.
“The New Hampshire SPCA is always here for animals in need,” said Lisa Dennison, Executive Director of the New Hampshire SPCA. “It doesn’t matter whether we’re in a pandemic, a construction project or any other adversity. We are the safety net for animals and we will always find a way to assist them.”
If you would like to help the New Hampshire SPCA care for these rabbits and horses as well as other victims of neglect or cruelty, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the SOS Fund at the NHSPCA, by check, phone or online. The SOS Fund is specially designated to help care for animal victims of cruelty or neglect. Go to http://bit.ly/nhspca-sos-fund to put your support to work quickly, or call 603-773-5706 to make a gift by phone. Checks can be mailed to: SOS Fund, NHSPCA, PO Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885.
Those wishing to help provide in-kind donations for these animals, we suggest visiting our wishlist on Amazon as we are not able to accept item donations at the door due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Our wish list is located at https://nhspca.org/wish-list/.
Follow the New Hampshire SPCA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewHampshireSPCA
