Donations Needed As Small Animals Continue To Overrun Hillsborough Rescue Group

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Small animals continue to overwhelm Hillsborough's Amwell Animal Rescue Group.

"We need help," said Hope Valenti of Bridgewater, who runs the rescue group along with Amwell Pet Supply at 434 Route 206 in Hillsborough.

"I couldn't answer my phone at one point," said Valenti, as it would continously ring with people trying to get rid of their ferrets, guinea pigs and rabbits.

"It's really bad for small animals. So many people don't want their small animals," said Valenti.

The costs to care for the animals, including some that need extensive medical care, are piling up.

"It really is hard when you are trying to heal animals and you can only spend so much money," said Valenti. "It's really bad when we are trying to help."

One of the animals Valenti is caring for is a rabbit named Lavender who AARG rescued when her owners could not take care of her medical needs.

"She has a massive wound from being attacked and almost killed by the owner's cat. We are awaiting test results and time will tell if the wound needs further surgery which is very costly," said Valenti. "We are doing everything we can to save her as she is a sweet rabbit who does not deserve what has happened to her. She is in our care and has meds and special care every day."

Valenti previously attributed the small animal problem to "COVID overload."

Small animals require a lot of work and money to care for them and then the pandemic put a strain on owners' finances causing more people to give up their animals.

In July 2021, Patch spoke with Valenti who said the problem had been getting worse throughout the pandemic. Read More: Overrun By Guinea Pigs, Rabbits: Hillsborough Rescue Needs Help

The problem persisted in 2022 and is continuing to this day.

Valenti is now reaching out to the community for help. Monetary donations can be sent through paypal.me/aargnj.

Additionally, the rescue can use:

• Paper towels
• White Garbage bags
• Fresh veggies - romaine, parsley, cilantro, any green or red leafy lettuce (no iceberg)
• Paper bedding
• Cat food

Donations can be left at Amwell Pet Supply at any time from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information call 908-359-5117, email aargnj@gmail.com, or visit amwellanimalrescue.com.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.