UPDATE: Vancouver International Airport has suspended killing rabbits and will be working with community members and others to find non-lethal solutions. Read their full statement by clicking here.
“Since hearing from the community on different options, we have suspended culling and we will be working with independent scientists, wildlife experts and community partners to re-evaluate methods and determine alternative solutions that meet our responsibility for safety at the airport, to our environment and to our community.”
The Fur-Bearers would like to thank Rabbitats, who have offered to assist YVR, St. John Alexander from CTV for breaking the story, and all the animal lovers who contacted the airport, asking them to do better.
Last night (June 23, 2021) community members were able to locate some of the rabbits – many of whom are apparent former pets.
Reports have emerged that Vancouver International Airport administrators are killing rabbits with firearms, despite offers for assistance with non-lethal solutions.
CTV: Vancouver airport has hired someone to shoot and kill its unwanted rabbit population
Media reports indicate non-profit Rabbitats has offered to assist in translocating rabbits, but that offer was not accepted.
The Fur-Bearers believe we cannot kill our way out of these situations. Numerous non-lethal options can and should be explored and exhausted prior to this large-scale killing of animals.
We’re encouraging Vancouverites to contact YVR President and CEO Tamara Vrooman to voice their concerns at Tamara_Vrooman@yvr.ca.
