To the Editor,
Re: Couple takes aim at rabbit population, April 18.
Although Ashley Henderson and Josh Ter Veer think they have good intentions and are doing the right thing, I wonder if their goal of being hired by the city or businesses is to make a profit off these poor rabbits?
If they were truly as passionate about rabbits as they say they are, then the rabbits’ best interest is the bottom line. The pair’s simple relocation idea is not the answer.
In fact, being in possession of these rabbits and then releasing them elsewhere is animal abandonment on their part. As well, any businesses that hire Henderson and Ter Veer could be liable for taking part in animal abandonment.
Rabbits must be spayed or neutered to bring an end to the cycle of overpopulation. Neither Henderson or Ter Veer mention that they are doing this before releasing them.
Those rabbits breed more in their new environment which only shifts the problem somewhere else. It also provides food for owls, hawks, hunters and dogs.
Spaying and neutering is the only answer to the end of the rabbit situation in Nanaimo.
The businesses that have hired, or are thinking of hiring the pair, should finance the spaying and neutering as a sign of goodwill.
Rabbits are also my passion, and I have had more than 200 spayed or neutered.
I would love to hear from Henderson and Ter Veer to perhaps provide some advice from my 12 years of rescuing rabbits.
Kris Pilon
Nanaimo