In the 2003 fall issue of the SPCA's Animal Sense magazine the BC SPCA says it "has dramatically invested in raising the level of animal care and furthering the cause of animal welfare in British Columbia."
Not so for rodents and rabbits. In fact nothing is being done despite years of promises. Perceived as "starter pets" for children, used as educational tools in classrooms, kept in cages, or forgotten in the backyard, and then "dumped" because they didn't live up to expectations, these animals are ignored and overlooked by those who purport "to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves."
In Richmond, SPCA management decided that a maximum of six rabbits can be housed and the excess killed. Improved facilities have yet to materialize despite millions of dollars garnered through donations and legacies. There has been a well-publicized explosion in the feral rabbit population in Richmond, but there is no networking with animal welfare/rabbit rescue groups to bring awareness as to the care and understanding of these animals as pets, nor is there a foster program in place.
In Surrey, SPCA management reduced the number of rabbits allotted space to three, and since that announcement earlier this year it has further reduced the numbers to three small animals of any kind. The Animal Learning Centre, which previously housed a number of rabbits and rodents and found homes for them, has been undergoing "restructuring." The staff hours have been decreased and they have been given orders to spend more time in communities doing education. There is now little time for "hands on" and orders from management are not to bring any more rabbits into the ALC. There were offers from the community and rabbit rescuers of volunteer assistance but this proved futile. In fact, the successful "Bottles for Bunnies" was terminated on the premises because SPCA management wanted the funds to go into general revenue rather than continue to be applied directly to the spaying and neutering of rabbits. It is now being handled off-premises by those individuals who wish the rabbits to be direct recipients of the fundraising.
The Burnaby SPCA is considering transferring rabbits from that municipality to the already overcrowded Vancouver SPCA where the threat of euthanasia is always a reality. Volunteers continually scramble to get the rabbits into good homes before the ultimatum is given. The surplus far exceeds the demand, and the annual Easter fallout shows no sign of stopping.
As to sick, old, or otherwise not easily adoptable rabbits they stand little chance unless there is outside intervention.
The upcoming Rabbit Festival at the Vancouver SPCA Aug 28th, was not initiated by the SPCA, rather all the research, poster boards and information to educate the public is being done by an all volunteer private charity, Vancouver Rabbit Rescue and Advocacy.
Unregulated breeding, impulse buying, owner surrenders, and routine abandonment remain a constant in the revolving cycle for unwanted pets.
What efforts and initiatives are being exercised by the BC SPCA that would alleviate the senseless euthanasia of healthy animals, and demonstrate to the public that this organization is taking a proactive role in the welfare of rabbits?
To date it has been private groups and individuals pressuring the Society to raise the bar and move the animal agenda forward.
Carmina Gooch,
North Vancouver