U.S. group wants to save bunnies

American non-profit Animal Rescue Corps is hoping to step in and solve Canmore’s feral rabbit problem.

ARC president Scotlund Haisley issued a humane proposal to the municipality on Monday (Dec. 5) to remove the rabbit population.

Communications co-ordinator Sally Caudill said administration has not had the opportunity yet to review the proposal.

While a spokesperson from ARC could not be reached by the Outlook by press time, Susan Vickery, who has been closely involved with the Save Canmore Bunnies campaign, said the group has a history of successfully finding solutions to these types of problems.

“They do very fine work,” Vickery said. “I think it is wonderful and it just illustrates what they do and what they are prepared to offer the town.”

The proposal letter sets out the Town of Canmore would have to work with ARC to formalize a plan that meets all criteria. The non-profit states it routinely partners with government, law enforcement, communities and animal protection organizations to create solutions when large numbers of animals are at risk.

Most recently, ARC partnered with the governing council of Lac Simon, Que. to create a solution to a decades-long roaming dog problem.

“With the understanding that the implementation of the catch-and-kill plan is imminent, ARC proposes that Canmore immediately halt its current plan to catch-and-kill the rabbits and requests that a dialogue between ARC and Canmore begin immediately to create a new 100 per cent humane and lasting solution,” writes Haisley. “With a plan in place ARC would be on the ground as soon as is feasible. Once there, we anticipate the entire operation would last no longer than six weeks.”

ARC’s proposal states it can capture, sterilize and relocate all of Canmore’s feral rabbit population. It is not a service for contract, states the proposal, but a partner that brings the necessary lacking resources, leadership and expertise to address the issue.

While it would not provide a proposed budget for its operation, it does indicate it requires the Town to be a partner in the plan.

“The Canmore/ARC humane solution requires from the Town full engagement as a partner in this potentially historic lifesaving effort, which will cast a positivie light on this moment when Canmore has the opportunity to make a decision between an antiquated, inhumane plan and a progressive, compassionate, lasting solution.”