Kelowna's Feral Rabbit Relocation Program

Overview March 2008

Kelowna's feral bunnies are at risk.

Under pressure from some local businesses and orchardists, several Kelowna councillors suggested the idea of lethal management as a tool to control the growing population of European rabbits within the city and regional district.

TRACS, backed up by a rather large team of committed volunteers, responded. We launched a Feral Rabbit Relocation Program and obtained a permit from the Ministry of Environment to relocate and sterilize the bunnies. We have constructed secure pens on an acreage belonging to a rural family. Pending inspection and approval by the Ministry, we will begin the process of moving captured, sterilized rabbits to these roomy enclosures, where they will have access to food, fresh water, and straw-filled hutches. Accustomed to the "free life", these endearing, personable animals will still have lots of room to exercise and socialize with one another, yet will benefit from greatly minimized safety risks in terms of predation, being hit by cars, poisoned, beaten to death, or victimized in any way. Veterinary care will be provided as needed.

To date (March 2008), 67 rabbits have come into our care. As soon as these rabbits can be re-homed into our sanctuary, more can be trapped and taken to local veterinarians for sterilization.

Bunny Residents of Kelowna

photo credit: Louise Adams

Feral Rabbit Rescue Team

photo credit: Chantelle Devost

Bunny catchers strategizing

photo credit: Chantelle Devost

Success! Bunnies in Foster Home

photo credit: Chantelle Devost

Media Coverage

The links below let you read media articles. You can return to this page by 'going back' with your browser or click on the link at the bottom of the article to visit the main media page.

2008-03-25 Kelowna's rabbit population multiplies CTV News
2008-03-19 No easy task Kelowna Capital News
2008-03-18 Bunny conundrum: to kill or not to kill? Kelowna Daily Courier
2008-03-18 When Easter bunnies aren't so cute Globe and Mail

TRACS Guides

Here are some guides in pdf format to download.

TRACS Rabbit Adoption Guide
TRACS Rabbit Care Guide
TRACS Rabbit Volunteer Guide

Bunny Tracks

These are some bunny stories.

Penny's Letter

Bouquets of Appreciation

In addition to the many, many individual volunteers and families helping out, we are deeply grateful to the following local businesses that have stepped up to the plate to be a part of a humane solution for Kelowna's rabbits:

Alpine Pet Hospital

Buckerfield's

Harmony Honda

Westbank Animal Care Hospital

Tamarack Bed & Breakfast

On Trax Excavating

Total Pet

Okanagan Humane Society

Critteraid
CDART (Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team:
the emergency animal rescue division of Critteraid)