The University of Victoria has finally found a solution to part of its feral rabbit problem in the form of a $12,800 contract to remove, sterilize and relocate up to 150 bunnies that run wild on the campus. UVic officials announced Dec. 23 that Common Ground, a local wildlife damage control company, will begin humanely relocating bunnies from the university’s athletic grounds.
“We’ve identified this area as the one to begin working on. . . . It’s the area we’ve always talked about,” said Richard Piskor, the university’s director of occupational health, safety and environment.
Fifty rabbits have already been caught, sterilized and relocated.
Under the terms of the contract, Common Ground has until the end of February to de-rabbit UVic’s athletic grounds and file a report with possible next steps.
Although things have gone well so far, Piskor said bringing UVic’s rabbit population down to acceptable levels will be expensive.
“We have to try to look at community resources, community support and in-kind contributions . . . [earthanimalrights.org] are accepting donations, looking at volunteer opportunities and working with the veterinary community to see what kind of assistance can be determined.”
Carmina Gooch of the BC Rabbit Advocacy Group said she is excited by the announcement that the rabbit problem is being dealt with humanely.
“We’re very pleased that UVic has chosen Common Ground. . . . They’re a good organization,” she said.
The BC Rabbit Advocacy Group has taken several rabbits to their sanctuary and expect to take many more.
Gooch said the surrounding community needs to get involved for the effort to succeed.
“Stop unregulated breeding and pet store buying. . . . It seems like the City of Victoria will need to create new bylaws that will prohibit the sale of unaltered rabbits in pet stores. . . . It takes involvement from everybody,” Gooch said.
Although there are many more bunnies to snatch, it seems as if UVic’s battle with the feral rabbits is finally beginning to turn the corner.