October 2, 2008: BC SPCA Position Statement on Feral Rabbits (2008)
The BC SPCA is fundamentally opposed to the inhumane culling of feral rabbits and encourages the use of non-lethal options for controlling rabbit populations through an integrated wildlife management approach. The BC SPCA supports activities that aim to humanely trap, sterilize and re-home rabbits in suitable homes or sanctuaries that can provide for their needs for the remainder of their lives.

The BC SPCA is opposed to the releasing of domestic rabbits into the wild, which is a criminal act under the Criminal Code and an offence under the PCA Act. The BC SPCA encourages municipalities to enact bylaws that prevent the selling or adoption of unsterilized rabbits.

If euthanasia is to be performed by other agencies, the SPCA believes it should be conducted humanely using one of the following methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Guidelines on Euthanasia, including barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, CO2, CO or potassium chloride in conjunction with general anesthesia. Any euthanasia procedures must also take seasonal considerations into account to prevent the orphaning of young in warrens and ideally will take place outside of the active birthing season.

Euthanasia of injured or diseased feral rabbits brought to BC SPCA branches will be conducted in accordance with the BC SPCA Companion Animal Euthanasia Policy.