NEWS RELEASE about Environment posted on February 11, 2011 by Roslyn Cassells

Valentine's Love-Fest for EARS UVic Rabbits...a bale of hay keeps the blues away!

Will you still love me tomorrow?

by Roslyn Cassells

EARS rabbits Coombs BC at self-serve salad bar

EARS rabbits Coombs BC enjoying pellet meal

EARS rabbits Coombs BC playing in the hay

"We want carrots and hay, not a lacy thong!" says newly spayed Binky Bunny..."We LOVE munching on veggies and fruit!"

EARS has launched a rabbit lovers' campaign in support of the ongoing care of the UVic rabbits currently in the care of the non-profit society.  Called "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" the theme reflects the reality of long-term responsibility for the many animals in their care.  The UVic rabbits trapped and relocated to the EARS sanctuaries on Vancouver Island are mostly one year of age or younger.  The rabbits are expected to live at least ten more years, and EARS has accepted around 600 rabbits from the institution to date. That's a lot of carrots and hay, and in the event of illness, veterinary expenses!

The rabbits are cared for entirely by volunteers, a daily feat of endurance and love.  The sanctuaries completed rapidly during the last few months to accomodate any rabbits coming their way were funded by society donors and volunteer efforts.  Each rabbit was taken sometimes long distances to participating veterinarians, and back to their sanctuary...many required extra attention and care....and some were pregnant on arrival and gave birth to their babies en route.

It has been a mammoth task.  Society volunteers, land donors, participating veterinarians who performed spays and neuters and other procedures, local businesses who have donated generously in-kind or at-cost have made it possible to rescue many many precious lives.

Now the rabbits are out of harm's way, it is up to the rest of us to continue our support of this effort on a regular basis.  These animals and the people who care for them every day need your help now and in the future.  Please consider becoming a sustainer donor, meaning a donation of your choice on a regular basis, or a once-a-year gift.

Just $10 will buy a big bale of hay which will feed many rabbits.  It can buy a honking bag of carrots, or a bag of rabbit pellets.  It can pay for a course of antibiotics for a sick rabbit.  It can buy carpentry supplies to keep the fence mended.  There are many needs, and there are many of us.  If we each give what we can, the rabbits will be well-cared for.

....donate that $10 you were going to spend on a movie, coffee with a friend, take-out pizza, or some other item you can do without.  Donate more if you can, but donate!

Remember your old friends the rabbits from UVic, cause they're all wondering if once they're out of sight, they'll be out of mind...or if you'll still love them tomorrow!!

The EARS website is being updated in time for Valentine's, so be sure to visit it on the special day, and show your love!
Come see us and make your donation at the EARS website at www.earthanimalrights.org or to our new postal address at:
EARS c/o Susan Vickery, Box 321, Coombs, BC V0R 1M0 Canada