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The need keeps multiplying Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Erin Petty of the Jackson County Animal Shelter cuts matted fur off one of about 300 rabbits seized from a Rogue River woman who was charged with animal neglect. Shelter workers kept hopping as they care for abused bunnies By JILL BRISKEY Caring for 300 rabbits would put a strain on anybody's budget, and Jackson County Animal Control is no exception. The shelter that normally handles dogs and cats has been forced to house, feed and treat the medical needs of the bunnies, most of which are Angoras. How to help Jackson County Animal Control officials are asking that the community help pay for the care of 300 reportedly neglected rabbits that were seized Sept. 5. Although not equipped to care for rabbits, the shelter purchased tarps, fans and a sprinkler and thermostat systems. However, cash donations are needed to pay for veterinarian expenses, feed and other items. The shelter is asking for various supplies, including hay, wood chips and watering bottles. Volunteers who have experience caring for rabbits are asked to contact animal control. For more information on how to help, call 774-6654. The rabbits are unavailable for adoption and will remain so until the case against their owner, Rogue River resident Diane Scott, is resolved. The rabbits were seized from the home of Rogue River resident Diane L. Scott on Sept. 5 and have been in the care of county officials ever since. According to shelter manager Colleen Macuk, many of the animals have parasites, mange and open sores. "We don't have a budget based on taxes," Macuk said. "We're not prepared for this." The county has been forced to dip into its operating fund to pay for the cost of care, a figure that wasn't available Friday. Community donations are being sought and volunteers with experience caring for rabbits are needed. Scott was charged with four counts of first-degree animal neglect and a trial has been set for Oct. 24. Scott also faces a contempt of court charge stemming from an incident July 13. Details regarding the contempt charge were unavailable. Court records show Scott has pleaded not guilty to all charges. After receiving a complaint from a resident May 8, shelter officials met with Scott at her home at 513 Queens Branch Road and tried to help. Macuk said Scott was "in denial about the conditions of the animals." Shelter employees met with Scott at least 20 times, attempting to improve the rabbit's condition. However, Macuk said the county was forced to step in and seize the animals. Fifteen rabbits suffering from a variety of problems were euthanized after the seizure. An estimated 200 rabbits were left at Scott's residence. Those animals are being checked regularly by animal control officers, Macuk said. Cages were quickly constructed and inmates from the Talent work release center help with their care. Additional litters of bunnies have been born during the last few weeks, and shelter officials are struggling to cope. "We're finding that animal care is expensive," Macuk said. The case against Scott is the second time livestock has been seized in the Rogue valley this year. On Sept. 13, Central Point resident Joyce Dezell pleaded no contest to four charges of second-degree animal neglect. County officials seized 12 horses and were forced to euthanize two suffering pigs. Macuk urges residents to report suspicions to animal control or police instead of ignoring animal neglect or abuse. "People need to call us," she said. "Don't wait until the point where they have to die." 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.