Dear Editor,
Re: “Bunny boom,” Feature, June 14.
I wanted to thank you for the articles on the rabbit population crisis in Richmond.
The problem of dumped domestic rabbits, who in turn become feral over generations, is huge and not restricted to Richmond.
I live in Vancouver and recently rescued a dumped domestic rabbit, whose last baby likely died buried alive when the city destroyed the place where she had her nest — under blackberry brambles.
The mother is now safe and in a foster home, where she is getting love from humans and cats alike!
But this problem will not be resolved by rescuing the odd rabbit here and there. The city of Richmond needs to step up and help the rescues in existence. There are bylaws against dumping animals that are not being enforced.
At the very least, rescues should be allowed to trap, neuter and release as an emergency necessity... before a better plan can be put into action: such as sanctuaries or Rabbitats.
There also needs to be a crackdown on underground rabbit breeders, and all purchased rabbits from known and registered breeders should be microchipped, so that if they’re dumped, their “owners” can be found.
This situation is really distressful and not just for the humans whose properties are being damaged by the rabbits. It is mostly distressing for the animals, who were once “pets” and then treated as disposable trash.
Recently, a pet bunny was actually thrown in a garbage bag in the trash bin of (I think) a grocery store. Thankfully, s/he was rescued. But because many humans are despicable, irresponsible and thoughtless, it is up to the government bodies to do what is right.
Thank you again for bringing this sad issue to the public.
Karen Chan Fong
VANCOUVER
