Surge in pet rabbit abandonment in Finland’s Turku region alarms Animal Protection Society

There has been an increase in the number of pet rabbits abandoned in the wild in the Turku region of Finland. However, the situation is not yet comparable to the “city rabbit” phenomenon in the Finnish capital region, where such cases have been prevalent for years.

Rabbit abandonment is a new issue in Turku, according to Sari Pesonen, the director of the Turku Animal Protection Society. “There has been a significant rise in the number of rabbits coming to us over the past few years. This summer alone, we’re talking about dozens,” Pesonen said.

Some of the rabbits end up in the shelter due to human reasons. “There are some rabbits that owners want to give up themselves, and we have taken these in and tried to find them a home.”

The Turku Animal Protection Society has been exceptionally busy this early summer, taking in hundreds of animals. Cats are the most frequent residents of the shelter. “Cats have been coming in through the doors and windows. Almost 400 cats have been brought in already, quite a high number for this time of year. Last year, just under 700 cats were brought in,” Pesonen said.

The number is partly explained by the so-called “summer cat phenomenon”. Also, half-wild stray cats that are caught often end up in the shelter. “There are many mother cats that have just given birth. Many four-to-five-week-old kittens have been found in the wild,” Pesonen added.

Despite the shelter brimming with cats, the Animal Protection Society strives to make conditions as good as possible for all. Euthanasia is resorted to only a few times a year. “We aim to take care of every cat and find it a new, permanent home,” Pesonen said.