City of Kelowna, British Columbia, Shooting Rabbits After Promising to Use Humane Control Methods!

The City of Kelowna, British Columbia, announced earlier this year that measures would be taken to control the city's burgeoning feral rabbit population. These feral rabbits—domestic animals who are likely the descendants of abandoned pet-store bunnies—are reportedly reproducing in large numbers and pose a problem for the local ecosystem and resident homeowners. Kelowna Urban Forestry Supervisor Ian Wilson assured PETA's caseworkers that the rabbit-control measures would be humane. Unfortunately, it appears that Kelowna's first move was not to attempt to trap the animals and relocate them to capable sanctuaries or even to trap and humanely euthanize them. Instead, Kelowna reportedly hired an individual to canvas the city at night and kill feral rabbits using an air rifle. Please contact Kelowna officials and demand that they stop shooting rabbits and employ humane population control methods instead. Remind them that aside from posing a public safety risk, shooting rabbits with firearms is immeasurably cruel. Animal victims often are not killed instantly when shot and are left to suffer slow and painful deaths.

Please send polite comments to:

Ron Mattiusi, City Manager
ask@kelowna.ca

The Honorable Sharon Shepherd
Mayor of Kelowna
Kelowna City Council
mayorandcouncil@kelowna.ca

David Graham
Director of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Services
City of Kelowna
1435 Water St.
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J4
Canada
250-469-8500 / 250-862-3399 (fax)