Rabbits seized from a hoarder are having babies, so Westminster animal shelter needs help paying for them

The 161 rabbits that a Cypress man handed over last month to a Westminster shelter are multiplying.

So far about 150 bunnies have been born from the latest batch given up by Richard Searles, who had surrendered 125 other rabbits last year from his Cypress home to the same shelter, Westminster Adoption Group and Services. Shelter manager Cortney Dorney said the cost of maintaining the recent arrivals, namely paying for spay or neuter surgeries and medical care, is taking a major toll on the organization’s finances.

“We’ve had a fantastic outpouring of people wanting to foster,” she said Thursday, July 19. “But we still need to spay or neuter them all, and that’s draining us.”

Some of the female rabbits arrived to WAGS pregnant and have recently given birth to litters of as many as nine bunnies.

“We’ve had our vet check (the female rabbits) out, and we’re on the downswing,” she said. “But it’s possible there could be more.”

Dorney added that the rabbits Searles gave up this year have more medical issues and injuries than the ones from last year. The shelter still has about 30 rabbits left from the first batch he surrendered.

The shelter has had to hire more staff to help care for the rabbits, on top of those that care for the other animals.

Dorney estimates the new brood will cost $125,000 for a year of long-term care, including medical and spaying or neutering, before they can be put up for adoption.

“It’s also kitten season right now,” Dorney said.

Several litters of newborn kittens have been brought into the shelter in recent weeks.

Dorney said the shelter is happy to accept donations of food and other supplies but monetary donations are crucial for the extra-full shelter. In total, WAGS has between 700 to 800 animals in its care.

“We have about 300 to 400 more animals than we’re used to.”

Those interested in fostering or adopting rabbits can call or text WAGS at 714-887-6156. Those wishing to donate can visit, paypal.me/wagspetadoption.