The University of Victoria 1 has a substantial feral rabbit population numbering well over 1000. This population has been growing since irresponsible pet owners started to abandon rabbits there in the 1980s. A mass killing of UVic's innocent rabbits has begun. There are alternatives to a cull.
We would like to see UVic pursue a TNR (trap-neuter-release) program as has been suggested by many local vets. This has been successfully instituted by Stanford University in the form of the The Stanford Cat Network program, to deal with their feral cat population.
Long Beach City College in California is dealing with a feral rabbit population. The LBCC administration had also entertained a cull as a solution to their rabbit population issues. Fortunately; a dedicated group of volunteers was able to convince the college administration to embark upon a TNR program instead. 2 3 4
Has UVic thoroughly considered a non-lethal and sustainable solution for dealing with their rabbit population? This is a question best posed directly to members of the UVic Board of Governors and UVic administration. Please see our What you can do page for details. Perhaps it's time for a dialog on the costs of a TNR program as compared to an eradication program. 5
If you want to get involved in saving the rabbits, or want to offer support:
- Send us an email
- Please let UVic know how you feel by using our prefabricated form letter, or the email links on this page to send letters to specific UVic personnel.
references:
1. Where is UVic?
2. Long Beach City College starts rabbit TNR program
3. Long Beach rabbit TNR program shows promise
4. Campus Bunnies Get Schooled – in TNR
5. Calculate projected savings associated with trap, neuter, and return programs - as compared to eradication.
(US cities only - but still interesting data)
