Sheltering Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Canada and the USA during the COVID-19 Pandemic and RHDV2 Emergence: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Survey of Intake, Care, and Management (2017–2022)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56771/jsmcah.v5.153Keywords:
animal abandonment, animal fostering, animal sheltering, animal relinquishment, companion animal welfare, companion rabbit, RHD, pandemics, pet rabbit, stray animalsAbstract
Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, news reports indicated increased numbers of stray rabbits and surrender requests at shelters and rabbit rescues. This study examined the impacts of the COVID-19 and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) pandemics on rabbit intake, care, and management.
Methods: An online survey gathered a convenience sample of Canadian and American shelters and rabbit rescues. Retrospective data (2017–2022) were collected on rabbit intake numbers per year (all types, stray/abandoned only, and owner surrenders only). Nine categorical questions addressed practices related to capacity challenges, species-specific tracking, and whether RHDV2 affected intakes. Additional questions asked whether surrenders were declined, waiting lists were used, and if RHDV2 impacted intakes annually for each of 2017–2022. Participants also reported whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected their ability to care for domestic rabbits. Open-ended comments explored pandemic-related impacts; changes in stray, abandoned, or relinquished rabbits in 2022 vs. before; and any additional information about organizational roles in rabbit care. Analyses included descriptive statistics, multivariable regressions of intakes (point estimates, 95% confidence intervals, and exact P values), and thematic analysis.
Results: Organizations (N = 87) frequently used resource-intensive practices: foster care (94.3%), waiting lists (82.8%), and transfers in/out (78.2%, 75.9%) to other organizations. The proportion of organizations declining surrenders rose from 67.1% (55/82) in 2017 to 88.5% (77/87) in 2022; waiting lists rose from 59.0 (46/78) to 80.0% (68/85). COVID-19, RHDV2, and organization type were each associated with decreased intake across intake categories (all P < 0.05). A year-over-year decrease was observed only for stray/abandoned intakes in 2020 vs. 2021 (P = 0.0008). Thematic analysis revealed three COVID-19 effects: decreased intakes/adoptions, concurrent operational challenges including RHDV2, and sustained resource constraints.
Conclusion: Some organizations faced complex, simultaneous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and RHDV2 emergence, significantly limiting intakes and straining resources. Recommendations include emergency planning, expanded fostering, and community partnerships to support sustainability and to safeguard rabbit welfare.
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