They are gentle, sociable and rather easy to get along with… So why do abandoned rabbits have so much difficulty finding a family? This summer, the La Petite Tribu association (Val d'Oise) collected several. Among them, Merlin, an adorable resident who will not be put up for adoption, but who is now looking for godparents. Would you be willing to give him a little paw?
While we talk a lot about abandoned dogs and cats, NACs (new pets) are unfortunately not spared. This summer again, associations saw an influx of requests to take care of abandoned rabbits, often victims of a reality that is still too little understood. For The Little Tribeanimal protection association based in Montlignon (95), the stories are similar: rabbits bought on impulse, then abandoned when their daily lives and their needs prove more demanding than expected.
“ We received a lot of requests to abandon this summer, like last year. In particular, we found 3 rabbits locked in a plastic box in Montlignon, but we also recovered rabbits found in gardens or directly dropped off by individuals. Perfectly sociable rabbits, who have absolutely nothing “wild” about them. », confides to us Celinepresident of The Little Tribe.
Finding them a new family is not always easy, however. Rabbits that are old, sick or requiring special care encounter even more difficulties in being adopted. This is particularly the case of Merlin.
“Left to his own devices in the middle of summer”…
If its name evokes a famous enchanter, the story of Merlinhas nothing magical… This poor elderly rabbit was in fact abandoned in the materials yard of a store Leroy Merlin in tragic conditions.
“ Merlin was left to his own devices in the middle of summer, without suitable food or protection. In these conditions, his chances of survival were very slim. Fortunately, a kind-hearted person discovered it and contacted us urgently. “, tell Celine.
© The Little Tribe
Supported by The Little Tribehe quickly required significant care, particularly after the appearance of dental problems requiring 2 operations for abscesses. From, Merlin slowly regaining strength in his host family.
Behind the care and veterinary appointments, the ball of fur also finds the small pleasures of everyday life such as exploring its environment. “ He is a very kind, discreet and particularly endearing rabbit. », says the association. He also knows how to make his character heard: “ When he doesn't like something, the gentleman doesn't hesitate to wave his hand to show his disagreement! “.
Looking for godparents for Merlin
Given his age and his significant dental problems, Merlin will not, however, be offered for adoption. “ Due to his age and major dental problems, we unfortunately know that he will probably never be adopted. He will therefore remain the responsibility of the association and we would like to be able to give him a little help thanks to sponsorship. “, explain The Little Tribe.
Its care must in fact continue over the long term, with an appropriate diet, veterinary care and regular dental follow-up. The association is therefore looking for one or more people likely to sponsor Merlin in order to contribute to the costs associated with his new life.
The story of this little survivor also highlights a broader difficulty for associations: financing care (adapted food, veterinary care, possible treatments, etc.) and finding shelter solutions for abandoned rabbits. Due to a lack of available places, certain requests must unfortunately be refused.
For Merlinas with all rabbits who are still waiting for their family, every gesture counts: a regular donation of hay, sponsorship or a place in a foster family can offer them the chance for a better life.
To sponsor Merlin and support La Petite Tribu, you can contact the association directly on Animals.fr.