Nine rabbits rescued: shock on Herbert's farm in Helmstedt!
Discover the story of nine rescued rabbits in Helmstedt: A farm fights against animal distress and supports animal protection.

Nine rabbits rescued: shock on Herbert's farm in Helmstedt!
A surprising find recently caused a stir in the Helmstedt district: nine rabbits were discovered on June 24, 2023 at Herberts Farm, not in an appropriate enclosure, but in two boxes wringing their hands among the bulky waste. The operators of the farm, Wiebke and Annika, were shocked at the circumstances under which the animals were unloaded. A note in one of the boxes said the rabbits had been rescued from pens and were now to be cared for at Herbert's farm. The two women wished that contact had been made beforehand to clarify the admission conditions in order to be able to better plan space and resources. On the News38 page it is further reported that caring for the rabbits causes considerable costs, most of which Wiebke and Annika bear themselves.
After the surprising discovery of the rabbits, the two decided to take the animals in for the time being, even if they were not prepared for it. Today the rabbits enjoy a much better quality of life than before in their old pens, where they were often locked in small cages. Now they live in a spacious enclosure that they even share with two small chickens. In order to be allowed into the large outdoor area, the new residents have to be neutered. Wiebke emphasizes that rabbits not only need a cage, but also fresh air and enough exercise to feel comfortable.
The challenge of accommodation
The situation shows the dilemma of many animal protection organizations in Germany, as also noted by Kaninchenrettung e.V.. There is currently a ban on accepting animals there, as every new request can no longer be accepted. The association specializes in providing new homes for old, abused or abandoned rabbits, but the care and veterinary costs exceed 10,000 euros per year. Membership fees, donations and sponsorships are the mainstays of the organization, and it calls on animal-loving people to help - be it through membership or sponsorship to secure veterinary care and food.
It is clear that there are many reputable animal protection organizations in Germany, but also many that do not work transparently. The website Haustiere Aktuell has created an overview of the largest and most trustworthy organizations. These include the German Animal Welfare Association, FOUR PAWS and other organizations that advocate for animal rights. These organizations rely on comprehensive information and practical help to highlight and eliminate grievances.
The stories like that of the rabbits on Herbert's farm are heartbreaking, but they also show how important it is to place the adoption of animals in responsible hands. When surrendering animals, contact should be made with the responsible animal protection organizations in order to prevent the suffering of the animals and enable them to live a species-appropriate life.