THE colony of rabbits that roam the vicinity of Ridge Road in uMhlanga were dumped and need to be captured and taken to a place of safety soon, says Stacey Quarmby, a volunteer for 3Rs Rescue which is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming small animals, with a particular focus on rabbits.

It is the only organisation for rabbits in KwaZulu-Natal.

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Quarmby, who is also a foster for the organisation and an advocate for small animals, was reacting to a video she saw on Facebook where Northglen News asked residents to come forward if they had any information on how the rabbits got there.

There are also signs erected cautioning motorists to slow down between 85 and 105 Ridge Road as the rabbits roam the area freely during the course of the day.

“I believe many of these rabbits have been abandoned and have likely bred since being left on their own. Unfortunately, so few rabbit owners take the necessary step of having their rabbits spayed or neutered, and many don’t fully understand how important it is for their health and well-being,” she said.

“It really frustrates me to see this. I know that rabbits don’t just end up on the streets — they’re often abandoned. Too many times, parents buy rabbits for their children, only to discard them when their child loses interest. While rabbits can be a bit challenging to care for, they bring so much joy and companionship. They require time, patience, and commitment to truly bond and grow with them,” she added.

@caxtonlocalmedia Northglen News journalist, Candyce Pillay, interviews small animal advocate, Stacey Quarmby in a follow up to the video we posted about the rabbits who have inhabited Ridge Road in uMhlanga. Quarmby, a volunteer for 3Rs Rescue which is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming small animals, with a particular focus on rabbits; is hoping to thee rabbits to safety through a planned capture. #northglennews #rabbits #3rsrescuecentre ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

Quarmby is calling on the community to assist her in locating the rabbits in the hope that she will be able to contain them and find them loving homes.

“We need to organise a catch, sterilise, and rehome campaign. I’m based in the Umhlanga area and would be more than happy to help. I’m also available to offer advice to new bunny owners. For rabbits in general, we will be catching and sterilising all the rabbits through an experienced exotic vet. The rescue will cover the costs for the rescue rabbits, but we strongly encourage all rabbit owners to have their bunnies sterilised. This not only improves their health but also helps prevent unnecessary breeding. Raine Massey, the founder of 3Rs Rescue, is always eager to assist as well,” she added.

For more information on 3Rs Rescue or to make a donation, visit www.the3rsrescue.co.za. If you would like to assist Quarmby with capturing the rabbits, email her on staceyquarmby@gmail.com.

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