Over 100 rabbits airlifted from Canada to U.S. Here's why

Sunday, October 2, 2016, 5:02 PM - Over 100 abandoned rabbits have been successfully transferred from the Trans-Canada Highway in British Columbia to a sanctuary in Texas, thanks to gracious group of volunteers.

The hares originally belonged to British Columbia residents who lost interest in caring for their pets. The Helmcken Road overpass near the B.C. town of View Royal became a dumping ground for unwanted pet rabbits several years ago, where over time they proceeded to breed. The colony continued to grow, which became a distraction to drivers.

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Officials have tried several things to combat the issue including, posting signs warning of a $345 fine. The province attempted to relocate the colony earlier this year, but unfortunately the drop-offs continued. The plan is to now install surveillance cameras.

"We saw a series of [new] rabbits dropped off in June," Erwin told Maclean's. "The reason we know that is because the trapper was quite familiar with the rabbits. One night, literally overnight, there were 20 more rabbits."

The saga began three years, according to veterinarian Laurie Gaines who started the rescue effort.

It took two years of planning and organizing. The first batch of rabbits were spayed, neutered and dewormed, which was all paid through a local fundraising initiative. A total of 47 were relocated from Victoria to Texas in May of 2015, courtesy of a local couple who drove them to the Retired Rabbits Sanctuary, located just outside of San Antonio, Texas. The trip took four days due to frequent stops to clean the cages.

The latest shipment of 63 residents were driven across the border to Bellingham, Washington and flown the rest of the way by another volunteer-based rescue organization called Wings of Rescue.

The entire project, including relocation, has cost taxpayers $33,000.

It seems large populations of feral rabbits have become a problem across the country, with the issue reported in several cities including, Calgary, Edmonton and Canmore, Alberta.

"The SPCA can't help because they aren't considered pets, and the wildlife rehabilitation centres can't help because they aren't native wildlife," Gaines told Maclean's. "This is very different from rescuing a stray dog or cat -- no permits are required to do that."

SOURCE: Maclean's Magazine

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