COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Officials with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) have issued an apology after waiting a day to respond to a rabbit abandonment call from an animal law enforcement officer who HSPPR officials said did not understand the severity of the situation.

Officials said several dozen stray rabbits were reported on Mark Dabling Boulevard Sunday evening, and the HSPPR has taken several of those rabbits for care.

The officer who made the call did not specify an emergency situation, so HSPPR officials waited until Monday to respond.

They said about 20 of the rabbits were picked up by unidentified people. They are asking anyone who may have picked up a stray rabbit to bring it to the HSPPR if they cannot care for it.

Animal Law Enforcement officials are investigating who may have abandoned the rabbits. HSPPR officials are offering a $500 reward for any information that may lead to a summons or arrest.

HSPPR officials said they make every effort to respond to the 58,000+ calls they receive every year and also said they care deeply for all animals in the community.