Rabbits raid drought-tolerant landscaping in Van Nuys neighborhood

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- There's good eating on Gilmore Street in Van Nuys... if you're a rabbit.

The succulents planted in one neighborhood have become an all you can eat bunny buffet.

"I sprayed pepper everywhere on every single plant," Paul Katz said. "They love the pepper. There's no such thing as a repellent."

The rabbits are digging up the drought-resistant plants he replaced his lawn with to save on his water bill. His backyard is thriving because it's fenced in, but the front yard is fair game as far as the rabbits are concerned.

"Last week, I replaced 10 (plants). Ten times five is only $50, but it's almost like I might as well have kept my lawn and had big water bills," Katz said.

Katz and his neighbors think someone was breeding bunnies and perhaps a pregnant one got loose. Now, they've multiplied, as rabbits do, and they feel right at home.

"We got out of the house yesterday and four of them just walked right out to us and started digging," Van Nuys resident Lucy Akopyan said.

Akopyan planted flowers that never stood a chance. She won't bother planting anymore. The rabbits that once seemed adorable, have become a nuisance.

"When we first moved in, they were actually cute." Akopyan said. "(Now) they're just costing us extra money."

"I don't like rabbits anymore," Katz laughed.

Katz has called animal control and a rabbit rescue, but has not heard back.