In a number of media stories, such as the one from Castanet, August 13, 2008 "Rabbit cull methods revealed," in which the use of an air rifle was listed, the BC SPCA said "it didn't have a problem" with that means. When rabbit populations exploded in Richmond in 2006 it was reported in the Richmond Review, July 15th, that BC SPCA officials "don't necessarily object to a rabbit cull using guns as long as it is done professionally." Shawn Eccles, chief animal protection officer, went on to say that "gunshot euthanasia, if done correctly, can be a humane death."

The above e-mail response suggests that the SPCA is now attempting to do damage control and avoid negative p.r. by indicating to its donors and the public that they've been an active voice for rabbit welfare. It's been a constant struggle for rabbit advocates like myself to have the SPCA even begin to take any interest in them. Only recently have they begun to spay or neuter their own rabbits, choosing instead to have them killed for lack of space or leaving it to the 'adopter' to pay for sterilization. Their business partner, Petcetera, continues to sell baby rabbits supplied by breeders, in stores outside the Lower Mainland. In March 2007, it was announced that that the SPCA would be placing altered rabbits from their branches in Petcetera outlets, but they've since been removed from the stores that did have them. Meanwhile small rescue groups like TRACS have humanely rounded up more than 350 of Kelowna's rabbits, had them altered, fostered, rehomed or moved to sanctuary. With all the donations the SPCA receives, virtually nothing is spent on rabbits. In fact, most branches limit themselves to only a handful.

In short, rabbits have been ignored and let down by the agency that's supposed to be speaking for them. It's only now that news of the horribly inhumane and cruel death of this rabbit has fuelled widespread anger, that we're hearing from the SPCA.