Editor and fellow Canmore bunny activists:
I was shocked to read the 'Canmore to cull bunnies' article in the Rocky Mountain Outlook last week and I am deeply saddened to hear the Town of Canmore was even considering euthanizing our sweet little bunnies that make Canmore so filled with life.
There is a solution for the Town of Canmore that does not involve the needless slaughter of thousands of rabbits. I feel that the Town of Canmore has the moral obligation to seek out alternative solutions to our bunny 'problem'.
The term 'problem' is a point I care to challenge. District Fish and Wildlife Officer Ron Wiebe says “…they could potentially bring coyotes or cougars into town, " yet I see no proof that the bunnies are in fact why the coyotes are in town.
We live in the Rockies – essentially the heart of the wilderness, I don't think blaming the coyotes' presence on the bunnies is a legitimate reason to kill the rabbits.
I also don't think that killing these sweet little animals for eating your garden or fertilizing your lawn is ethical. If you would like a garden, then support the wonderful community garden that is opening.
In Toronto they have a raccoon problem and they are dealing with it by educating the citizens on how to live with nature's creatures, not killing them. In fact, they have a law that makes it illegal to kill raccoons in that city; no trapping, no euthanization, simply education! Perhaps we should take some lessons from them.
This is an issue that is getting a lot of attention both in Canmore, throughout Alberta and in all of Canada. Being a wildlife community with a pristine reputation, we have the obligation to respect our environment and that includes its creatures.
Killing animals because it is causing a 'problem' is not respecting life or portraying Canmore in a positive light. Is this the example we want to set for our younger generation?
There are other solutions to the bunnies in Canmore and this town must consider various options before approving such an inhumane management plan.
Help me stand up for these silent creatures; they need a voice. I will be attending the town meeting on July 5 at the Civic Centre at 5 p.m. Come join me to help these harmless little bunnies be heard. If you are unable to attend please email me your thoughts at [email protected]
Angela Denny,
Ethical Citizen and Bunny Activist
