There are colonies of dumped domestic pet rabbits throughout BC, yet in 2005, BC SPCA management said that they "have not yet begun to address" this issue. This, despite the fact, that they are well aware that unsterilized rabbits, most often purchased from a pet store, have been abandoned outdoors for years.

The City of Richmond is currently trying to find a means of dealing with these colonies and one suggested method was to shoot the rabbits. In an article in the Richmond Review earlier this year BC SPCA officials were quoted as saying "they don't necessarily object to a rabbit cull using guns, as long as it's done professionally." Shawn Eccles, chief animal protection officer, further added that "gunshot euthanasia" is relatively pain-free and quick, if done correctly.

Lethal action endorsed by the SPCA -- how can this be "animal protection" or "animal welfare?"