PRESS RELEASE — The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control is currently in the process of rescuing rabbits from the Island at Alondra Park which have been illegally abandoned by irresponsible pet owners. DACC and the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation are working together to safely remove the rabbits from the island.

Speculation and rumors regarding poor care and inhumane treatment of the rabbits are untrue. DACC and the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation have been monitoring and caring for the rabbits on the island, and will continue to provide food and water to the remainder of the rabbits that inhabit the park until all are removed. DACC and the Department of Parks and Recreation are working together to enhance fences, place signage, install cameras, and are taking all measures to ensure that no additional rabbits are illegally abandoned. DACC would like to advise pet owners that it is a misdemeanor, (punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail) to abandon an animal in Los Angeles County.

In the meantime, DACC is seeking help from the public to open their hearts to adopt these rabbits and the many other rabbits in County animal care centers.  As rabbits are removed from the island, DACC will take them into the Carson animal care center where they will receive a medical evaluation, examination, and be spayed or neutered. To encourage rabbit adoptions, DACC will discount rabbit adoptions to $25, beginning today and will continue this special adoption program through the end of the year.  The $25 is a flat fee and includes the adoption and sterilization fee. DACC will also host rabbit adoption events at its South County animal care centers in the near future working in conjunction with approved rabbit adoption partners.

Rabbits are generally low maintenance animals and require the same amount of attention and socialization as a cat or dog.  They need regular interaction with humans in order to stay socialized. They also require about one hour each day out of their cage (can be indoors, as long as there is enough sun-lit space) to play and exercise. Rabbits can also be easily litter box trained, making them perfect pets for apartments or small homes.

If you are interested in adopting a rabbit, visit one of DACC’s animal care centers:

* Agoura: 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura 91301

* Baldwin Park: 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park 91706

* Carson/Gardena: 216 W. Victoria St., Gardena 90248

* Castaic: 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Road., Castaic 91384

* Downey: 11258 S. Garfield Ave., Downey 90242

* Lancaster: 5210 W. Ave. I, Lancaster 93536