Council reluctantly approves TRACS

by Wayne Moore - Castanet Story: 46009
Mar 31, 2009

Kelowna City Council reluctantly approved a rabbit maintenance contract Monday.

The Responsible Animal Control Society (TRACS), was the only organization to submit a formal bid to control the dwindling feral rabbit population within the City.

City Park Services Manager, Ian Wilson, told council three weeks ago the population was down to no more than 100 rabbits.

"I am happy to report to you today that the feral rabbit population still appears very low, although I have had a few reports recently about some young rabbits already and I have a few calls from other little pockets that we didn't know about," Wilson told council.

"We still seem to be at a very low level through the efforts of EBB, TRACS and other volunteers in the community."

Wilson says bid requests were sent out to nine organizations and TRACS was the only one which responded with a bid.

"The quote was accessed and deemed to be acceptable, therefore staff is recommending the award of an ongoing contract for one year for monitoring and control of Kelowna's feral rabbits for $11,550."

Some on council did have concerns about TRACS' ability to do what may be necessary if the population does explode again.

Councillor Robert Hobson, expressed concerns over a lack of details over where the animals would be housed and assurances they wouldn't become a burden on another area.

"Are they prepared to put them down if they can't look after them or are they going to love them all and have them in a sanctuary forever. What if they run out of resources, are they going to come back for more money to build sanctuaries and feed them? That's the concern that I have," says Hobson.

"I really want this to work and the way it has to work is we have to keep them from having young ones and spay and neuter them fast enough."

While not knowing details of where the rabbits would be transported, Wilson did say on-going feeding and care was the sole responsibility of the contractor.

"We're just paying for the initial monitoring and the control of the rabbits. We want to make it clear that we are not going to be paying for the on-going care and feeding for years to come."

Councillor Graeme James, had reservations about the ability of TRACS to spay and neuter rabbits they are able to trap.

"Cost is going to eat that money up in no time if we get an outbreak. I see this as a problem in the future. If we do give this to TRACS they have to maintain a low population," says Graham.

"I find it difficult to not see where this is going. I have some real problems with this."

Wilson did remind Council there is a performance provision within the contract stating if populations explode in a specific area, the contractor has seven days to step up activities or the city could take other measures, including brining in someone else, terminating the contract or reducing the payment. Meantime, Councillor Brian Given, wanted to ensure that all statements made regarding feral rabbits come from the city and not the contractor.

"Since TRACS is now a contractor for the city, I would like to see us make sure that TRACS does not speak for the city. Any communication must be funneled through the city and their communications department," says Given.

"I don't want them speaking on behalf of the city on their website now that they are a contractor for the city."

Councillor Charlie Hodge endorsed TRACS, saying the local organization has a good track record. Hodge also encouraged people with rabbits on private property to contact TRACS.

He says now that people know the animals will be trapped and not killed, they should feel more comfortable knowing they will be kept alive.

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Council clears TRACS

Ron Seymour, Kelowna Daily Courier
2009-03-31

Unanimously, but with a few misgivings, Kelowna council on Monday handed the city‘s feral rabbit management program to The Responsible Animal Care Society.

The non-profit group was awarded an $11,500, one-year contract that will see volunteers catch the remaining rabbits, arrange for their sterilization, then place the animals in secure pens or foster homes.

“I hope this works,” Coun. Robert Hobson said, expressing concern that the captured rabbits might eventually escape from the pens and pose a threat to agriculture.

Other councillors called for the terms of the contract with TRACS to be vigilantly enforced, to ensure the group is achieving the goal of reducing the rabbit population as close as possible to zero. If it appears the rabbit numbers are rising again, and TRACS is not dealing with the problem, the contract with the group could be cancelled.

TRACS is already caring for about 450 rabbits, and other councillors said the group could easily deal with the remaining animals, estimated at no more than 100.

“I‘m very supportive of TRACS taking on this challenge,” Mayor Sharon Shepherd said.

Council will get a report back within six months, if not sooner, on how TRACS is handling the rabbit situation.

Last year, a city-hired contractor, EBB Environmental Consulting, killed hundreds of the wild rabbits, sparking complaints from TRACS and others.

“There aren‘t many of the bunnies left now, but if we get this contract, we‘ll do what we can to save them,” TRACS director Sinnika Crosland said recently.

City officials asked nine different groups and firms for bids on dealing with the remaining rabbits, but TRACS was the only one to submit a proposal. “I‘m optimistic that (their) approach is going to work,” pest control supervisor Ian Wilson told council.

The city‘s wild rabbit problem got started when people abandoned rabbits that had once been pets. Wanting to avoid a repeat of that situation, Coun. Michele Rule noted the approaching holiday, and said: “Please don‘t buy bunnies for Easter presents.”