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Want a bunny? How about 200? By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune What do you get when you take 200 rabbits, multiply by 2 and then subtract 200? Answer: A whole lot of bunnies that still need homes at the Jackson County Animal Shelter, according to manager Colleen Macuk. Two weeks ago, the animal shelter began giving away rabbits to good homes at no charge. At first, Macuk said there was a line of adoptive families waiting to take the rabbits home but the crowd has dwindled. There are approximately 200 bunnies that still need homes - from friendly babies to adult rabbits with special needs, like medical care or daily grooming. The majority of the remaining rabbits are long-haired adult Angoras. "At this point we're still trying to be optimistic," Macuk said. "We're hoping to find them all homes." The animals were seized from the home of Wimer resident Diane L. Scott, who in October pleaded no contest to animal neglect and was ordered to forfeit her pets. The county initially seized 200 rabbits from Scott's home in late summer, and another 300 after the case was resolved. Approximately 100 rabbits have been euthanized or have died since Jackson County began caring for them. Many of the rabbits were suffering from various diseases, parasites or malnutrition. Most were in desperate need of grooming, Macuk said. Only a few prospective owners have been turned down since the adoptions began. Macuk said she will not give the rabbits to people who plan to feed them to snakes or other pets. The bunnies are pets, Macuk added. "We've been through too much to do that," she said, referring to the investigation and trial. "They deserve more." The shelter is not equipped to care for the rabbits and is relying on donations for feed and medical care. If the bunnies aren't adopted, the county may be forced to euthanize them, Macuk added. "Eventually that would be the last thing we would consider," she said. However, Macuk said the rabbits aren't in any danger right now and no deadline has been set. Prospective owners are asked to bring an animal carrier and must sign a pledge to care for the rabbit. Residents cannot adopt more than five rabbits. However, people who are part of an animal care organization or who can provide proof they can care for additional bunnies can adopt up to 10. For more information, 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] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.