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CLEAR Temp: 62 °F Wind: NW at 6 mph Saturday, June 1, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Cyberchef E The People Golf Job Network Headbone Zone Wellness Connection Movie Times Newspaper in Education Oregon CarZone Outdoor Journal Personals Prime Times Real Estate Tempo A & E TV Times W3 Magazine CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Destinations Automotive Communities Employment Entertainment Publications Real Estate Recreation Shopping Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Jobs @ Mail Tribune Email Story to a Friend June 1, 2002 Jackson County Work Center trusty Don Jones makes friends with one of the rabbits up for adoption at the county�s animal shelter south of Phoenix. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Big bunnies up for adoption The county hopes to find homes for the once-neglected rabbits before the summer heat sets in By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune They may not be small like Little Bunny Fufu or as cute as Peter Rabbit, but the 80 oversized and furry bunnies living at the Jackson County Animal Shelter have their own special appeal. According to Shelter Director Colleen Macuk, the long-haired adult Angoras and California rabbits have a special need as well — somebody to love them and care for them. "I’ve really been worried and concerned for them," Macuk said. "It’s time for them to find homes." The animal shelter will place the rabbits up for adoption today, despite a pending state appeal with the attorney general’s office filed by the animals’ former owner, Wimer resident Diane L. Scott. The rabbits were seized in October when Scott pleaded no contest to a charge of animal neglect. With more than 500 rabbits on its hands, the county placed them up for adoption. Scott said she appealed because Jackson County Circuit Judge Rebecca Orf did not follow a plea bargain agreement. After hearing both sides speak at the sentencing, Orf ordered Scott to forfeit all her of pets and barred her from owning or caring for animals. The appeal halted the county’s adoption efforts, leaving it with approximately 100 rabbits. Disease and heat claimed the lives of 20, Macuk added. "It’s animal abuse, that’s what they’re doing," Scott said of the county’s care of the rabbits. "They’ve given away thousands of dollars worth of animals they didn’t have a right to give away." Macuk said county officials attempted to work with Scott and encouraged her to find homes for the rabbits herself. But Macuk said Scott failed to act. Scott maintains she couldn’t find proper homes for the rabbits because she wasn’t allowed into the shelter to evaluate the animals. "How else can I find the proper homes?" Scott asked. Scott has been barred from entering the facility since September because of her behavior with shelter staff. "There’s been ample time. She was notified, given a time period," Macuk said. "With the heat and the time frame, we had to act." The financial strain of feeding and caring for the rabbits also forced the county to begin adoptions, Macuk said. Although a total cost estimate is not available, Macuk said feed costs more than $300 a month. The county was paying more than $2,500 monthly when more than 500 of Scott’s rabbits were living at the shelter. The state appeal could take several years to resolve. If Scott wins, the county could be forced to pay restitution for the rabbits. If Scott loses, she could be held responsible for the county’s expense of caring for the bunnies. Scott said once she finds a lawyer, she will sue the county for violating her civil rights, mistreating the rabbits and a host of other alleged wrong-doings. In the meantime, Shelter technician Donna Patnesky said she hopes the adult rabbits find homes soon, before summer’s heat sets in. "These are really nice rabbits but a lot of people want to start from scratch," Patnesky said. "They’re all grown up and not so cute." Because most of the rabbits are disease carriers, new owners are urged not to eat, show or breed them. However, Patnesky said proper care and attention will keep these rabbits healthy. Animal Control officer Matt Miller spearheaded the investigation into Scott’s neglect case last year, and he hopes to see a quick conclusion to the case. "It’s hard to see any animal living in really horrible conditions," Miller said. "I just hope they finally get some good homes." Prospective owners are asked to bring an animal carrier and must sign a pledge to care for the animal. No more than two rabbits will be adopted per household. Only same-sex rabbits will be given those taking more than one bunny. Because of their long hair, many rabbits will require regular grooming. Some are skittish and require extra care. For more information or to make an appointment after hours, call the animal shelter at 774-6655 Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy web master feedback A D V E R T I S E R S