April 13, 2012
E-mail to Vancouver officials
(by Carmina Gooch)
The Rabbit Advocacy Group of BC received information early this morning that “a bulldozer is moving through the rabbit warren site at Vancouver's Jericho Beach Park.” As you know, the rabbit habitat has been there for decades, and the park is a favourite place for enjoyment for residents and tourists alike.
So, it is not only disturbing that the blackberry bushes have quietly been cut back in the past, displacing the rabbits, birds, and other wildlife who call it home, it appears as though this is about to happen again. Apparently, the shrubbery is in need of removal in order to be replaced with picnic tables.
This is outrageous.
The City of Vancouver and Parks has a duty to act
in a responsible manner and to explore options other than destroying habitat and
any species who might get in their way. That is the expectation of society. It
is the height of recklessness, callousness, and cruelty, to thoughtlessly go in
and rip rabbits from their home or bulldoze them to death. Spring is a season of
birth, and baby rabbits are in those warrens. 
Those in authority positions and charged with decision-making generally seem to do what they perceive as easy and what they can get away with. Not today; animal welfare, rights, and protection issues are very much on the public’s mind.
We ask that the bulldozing be stopped at once, and that humane options be fully explored. It is not the fault of the rabbits that they were dumped by uncaring owners, and left to fend for themselves. We all deserve better than this.
Comment: On today's visit, it was readily apparent that considerable work has already been done in the park. Signage also alerted visitors that a "rehabilitation project is in progress." Couples, families, and singles had brought bags of carrots to feed the rabbits, and several of them told us they were "regulars," also commenting on the brush removal. It’s being referred to as a “war zone.” The Jericho Stewardship Group is working with the VPB “to make a difference” to the park. That, they’re doing.