One of an estimated dozens of pet rabbits released by owners across the city. (CHAT News photo)

By Alex McCuaig

Feral rabbits

Domestic rabbits running wild in the city

Nov 3, 2020 | 2:57 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Pet rabbits are being let loose and becoming feral across the city from South Ridge to Brier Park Industrial and points in between. The potential for bigger problems looms if the furry critters are left to their own devices and procreate.

“It’s really quite a cruel thing to do,” said Heather Trail, supervisor of municipal enforcement for the city. “If there is no control over that – and there really isn’t in our city right now – we end up having more opportunity for them to breed with other rabbits in the area and then, of course, we’re just overrun.”

Trail said she doesn’t have exact numbers of but there are “more than there should be.”

One consequence of having an increasing number of rabbits is that they become easy prey for coyotes, allowing them to thrive and increasing the potential of negative human, wildlife conflicts, said Trail.

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“We’re looking to make sure all of our in our community are taken care of appropriately. Right now, some of those rabbits aren’t being looked after,” said Trail.

Right now, Trail says city bylaw is primarily fielding calls from the public about dead or dying rabbits in residents’ backyards.

She suggests rabbit owners who can no longer take care of the animals to reach out to the SPCA who can assist in finding new homes for the pets.