On March 1, 2020, the City of Richmond, BC, is going to discuss the large local population of feral, domestic European rabbits that has resulted from pets being released and their subsequent offspring.
Read the city report going before council by clicking here.
The Fur-Bearers are asking supporters in the Richmond area to write city council and request that local experts on feral, domestic European rabbits are included in all planning currently and moving forward regarding their management. We believe this will create the best possible outcomes for the rabbits, who are considered invasive by the provincial government.
Our letter is below. Please use the sample letter at the bottom of this page to draft your own, and send it to mayorandcouncillors@richmond.ca.
Dear Mayor and Council,
On March 1, the City of Richmond, BC, is going to discuss the large local population of feral or domestic European rabbits that has resulted from pets being released and their subsequent offspring. The Fur-Bearers is a non-partisan, charitable organization and has been in communication with numerous residents and stakeholders regarding this issue.
The Fur-Bearers are requesting that the City of Richmond include local experts and NGOs with experience with feral or domestic European rabbits in the development of both short-term and long-term strategies for the municipality. We also support an increase to education and enforcement of existing bylaws, support to local agencies spaying/neutering rabbits and providing them sanctuary, and ongoing transparency with the public and other stakeholders through this process. Including definitions of humane, desired outcomes, and a wildlife inventory (and how the rabbits may be interacting with the ecosystem as a whole) would be beneficial.
As a charitable organization with supporters in your area, we ask that you take these considerations under advisement.
Warmly,
Lesley Fox
Executive Director
The Fur-Bearers
Take Action
Send your letter to the Mayor and Council of Richmond, BC, at mayorandcouncillors@richmond.ca and request that local experts are utilized to ensure a humane approach and sustainable, long-term solutions are considered.
You can use our sample letter below or your own words. Please take time to express that you are a resident (if you are) and remember to be polite, to the point, and offer solutions.
Sample Letter
I am writing to request that the City of Richmond work with local experts and NGOs on your feral or domestic European rabbit strategy. Pet rabbit populations are an issue requiring specialized attention, and including area experts would give Richmond the best chances of creating a highly-focused, outcome-oriented plan that incorporates the expectations of residents, and the humane treatment of the rabbits.
As a resident of Richmond, please ensure that any strategic planning or decision-making regarding feral or domestic European rabbits is done so with the assistance of local experts in this field.
Thank you,
Your name and contact information.
Special thank you to Rabbitats for the photo used in this article. Visit Rabbitats.org to learn more about their humane solutions to feral domestic rabbits in British Columbia.
