Rabbit Rescue Spurs Adoption Push At Salem's Northeast Animal Shelter

SALEM, MA — The Northeast Animal Shelter will host another in its series of small-pet adoptathons this weekend as the Salem shelter joins with MSCPA-Angell to find forever homes for dozens of guinea pigs, rabbits and small birds following a recent rabbit rescue.

The event is being held amid an urgent call for adopters. The MSPCA shelters in Boston, Methuen, and Cape Cod, as well as the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, are being "pushed to the limits for housing small animals" following the recent law enforcement seizure of 19 rabbits.

Details of that seizure have not been released, and the MSPCA said they cannot comment on the ongoing investigation.

There are nearly 200 guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds available with every cage at the shelters full across the state and with many more small animals expected to be surrendered soon.

"Not only are the cages full, but we're running out of foster homes as well," said Bryn Rogers, assistant director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell. "We really need adopters to step up and give these animals the loving homes they deserve."

Those adopting the little fellas this weekend can do so with the adoption fee waived.

Adopters will save $85 per rabbit, $30 per guinea pig and between $15 and $45 per bird. This money can be re-applied to care costs for the new pet.

Adopters looking to add a small pet to their family can visit here to register for the event and check out animals available to be adopted in Salem.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)