Open letter to Richmond mayor and council,
Re: “Bunny boom,” Feature, June 14.
Here are my suggestions:
1. Establish a local sanctuary for the feral rabbits after capturing and spaying/neutering them. They can live in colonies in contained enclosures. The city can assist by either giving rabbit rescue groups some land or contained spaces (such as heated portables) so they can set up micro-sanctuaries. This might be cheaper than using taxpayer dollars to alleviate property damage (as in the case of the Delta rabbits), and a much better solution in the long-term. Micro-sanctuaries can be set up in neighborhoods or sponsored by local corporations/ businesses. The rabbits’ presence would engender a sense of compassion toward animals and people. This model can be replicated by other municipalities.
2. The B.C. government should allow for adoption of abandoned rabbits without requiring a permit.
3. There should be stiff fines/penalties for rabbit abandonment. This can be achieved by requiring that all rabbits be identified (tattooed) at the start of ownership and a master database kept by the city.
4. A small License fee for registering a pet rabbit. (This should deter dumping, especially if rabbits are identified as mentioned.)
5. Post signage in parks (especially where domestic rabbits are currently being abandoned) to NOT feed the rabbits. This should be part of the public education program and emphasize that pet abandonment is not tolerated by the city and offenders will be prosecuted. Signage should be in prevalent ethnic languages also.
Dr. Patricia Tallman
Author, policy consultant
RestoreOurPlanetDiet.com
