Update 2, December 22nd, 2011 – Earthanimal Humane Education and Rescue Society (EARS) will be allowed to save some of the rabbits otherwise destined to be euthanized. The more donations they receive, the more rabbits they can save!
Update 1, November 14th, 2011 – The Town of Canmore posted an update on its website stating that The Town will continue to hire a contractor to live trap, humanely euthanize, and store and transport feral rabbits to beneficial end use (such as feed at wildlife rehabilitation centers). We will continue to accept proposals for a sanctuary. If a non-for-profit society for spay/neutering and permanent relocation at an appropriate sanctuary comes forward at any time, the contractor will, upon Town approval, release trapped rabbits to the group.
You can read the full update on the Town of Canmore website.
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The University of Victoria in British Columbia was overrun by feral rabbits last year and culling was the proposed solution. Advocate Susan Vickery decided that was unacceptable. Unlike many others who cry foul and do nothing, she did something about it. She organized groups, Vet’s, and facilities, successfully saving hundreds of rabbits from death, while still addressing the feral rabbit issue at hand. There are currently 500 University of Victoria rabbits safely residing at the EARS shelter in Coombs, Vancouver Island, BC.
Now Canmore, Alberta is considering feral rabbit control options, including lethal culling. Once again, Ms. Vickery decided to add more humane options to the list, teaming up with Kyndra Biggy of Save Canmore Bunnies. Their fate remains to be determined. Mayor Ron Casey will consider non-lethal control later in October, with the threat of a lawsuit by the Humane Society hanging over their head.
A major concern of feral rabbit populations is they attract natural predators that pose a danger to the public. I understand that cities can’t just leave them alone to multiply. I also understand that population control expenses need to be considered. However, I believe that advocates, rescues and the general public should be asked for feasible suggestions before lethal measures are on the table.
Paws down, the most cost effective and humane control option is prevention. Prevention is the most natural course of action in regards to any wild-released pets, from rabbits to fish. That all starts with…
Education, education, EDUCATION!
Many people are unaware of the consequences of wild-release. They think it’s a kinder option to humanely euthanize. The fact of the matter is, pets suffer and die painful deaths in the wild, be it from exposure, starvation, territorial disputes, or predators. It isn’t the natural habitat of domesticated animals, regardless of where or how their ancestors lived. Of course, some suffer through the misery long enough to reproduce.
Spontaneous purchasing is a huge issue that could be addressed at the retail level, with education programs in schools, through the media, with shelter campaigns, and in pet blogs.
Far too many people think rabbits are a simple pet – feed it and cage it. If they knew that rabbits require as much (if not more) care as cats, and how expensive it can get, they may think twice before making the 10 year commitment to having them.
- Rabbits need attention and exercise, including several hours outside of their cage daily.
- They must be litter trained.
- Bunnies need a large cage, with bedding that must be cleaned daily.
- Rabbits need to be spayed or neutered not just to prevent breeding, but also to control spraying and other negative behaviour.
- Feeding rabbits involves more than a bag of pellets. They need a balanced diet, including fresh vegetables.
If you can no longer keep your pet rabbit, it is your responsibility to find it a home with someone else. Releasing pets into the wild isn’t just cruel, it can also upset food chains and introduce disease into wild populations. Rabbits are territorial, so dumping them with other rabbits is a sure way to get them beat up and possibly killed. There is no reason, excuse or justification for releasing a pet into the wild.
If, after research and careful consideration, you would like to have a rabbit as a pet, please contact your local shelter to obtain one. You can also search for adoptable rabbits in your area using the Adoptable Animal Search hosted here on AllNaturalPetCare.com.
How You Can Help – Contacts & Resources:
Spread the word – share on social media, blog about it, talk about it, etc.
Donate or volunteer with Save Canmore Bunnies. They are also looking for sanctuary land and the donation of veterinarian services.
Canmore City Council – Whether you agree or disagree, you can contact them.
Earthanimal Humane Education and Rescue Society (EARS), Coombs, BC
Alberta SPCA
Humane Society of Canada
The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals
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Last Updated on January 23, 2026 by Digital Manager: Melody McKinnon
Ferral rabbits can be a BIG problem. I wish people would learn to be responsible with their pets instead of having other people clean up after them.
I hope they save most of these feral rabbits and I hope that people learn something about being responsible!!!
The Rabbit Advocacy Group of BC was actively involved in relocating the UVic rabbits to safety and sanctuary in Washington State. We have also been instrumental in having rabbit sales stopped in pet stores. Impulse buys and subsequent abandonment has resulted in feral colonies throughout BC and beyond.
Thanks for the additional information! I’ve added a link to your comment and encourage readers to visit for more information.