Bunnies go under the knife
By Jennifer Dyck
Morning Star Staff, Vernon BC
Two years of trying to keep up with Vernon's multiplying stray rabbit
population is receiving its first glimpse of help.
Vernon's homeless bunny rescuer, Maurie Deaton, has finally been given a
hand in controlling the population with some funding.
A donation of $750 from the Animal Advocates of BC, along with a
reduced rate from Lake Country's Panorama Veterinary Services, allowed
Deaton to load up 20 rabbits Monday to be spayed and/or neutered. Yet
while the bounty of bunnies is Vernon's problem, the aid is all coming
from out-of-town.
Judy Stone, Animal Advocates president, said it's unfortunate Deaton
and her helpers have to look elsewhere for aid for a local situation.
"They're the ones doing all the work and not getting any money for it."
Deaton too would like to see more support given, adding that a good
start is through education.
She warns all families considering bringing home a bunny as an Easter
gift that these animals take just as much care and attention as cats or
dogs. That includes having them spayed and neutered. "It is not a good
pet to get for Easter." "So instead, I'm happy to loan them one for
Easter."
Unfortunately, many owners discover rabbit responsibilities to be
more than they anticipated and assume the animal will live a better life
running free around town. But the city environment is no place for
domestic rabbits, said Deaton, as their 10-year life span is reduced to
two on the street. "Their survival rate is very poor in town, they get
preyed on by owls, cats, dogs, and people," she said as people shoot and
torture them. "Babies especially have a high mortality rate."
Not only that, but doing what rabbits do best, the more than two-year
problem has continued to multiply around town, with females producing
from four to 12 young as often as every month. "That's why we have such
a big problem."
And now these former pets have become known as the neighbourhood
pests to some residents. So since Deaton looked out her front window two
years ago and saw 12 rabbits on her lawn, she has dedicated herself to
help. "If you don't start taking care of them you'll have hundreds and
hundreds and it will be an even bigger problem." "And the more we get
off the street the less will die."
She asks anyone who can trap the strays, donate cages, food or funds
or who would like to adopt one of the rabbits to call her at 558-7720.
She also works to match rabbits with people through personalities, and
assures that if the animal does not work out she will take it back.
