TRACS awarded bunny contract
Mon, 2009-03-30 19:05.
CKFR - Kelowna,BC,Canada
A long-awaited victory for the Responsible Animal Care Society on Monday, as Kelowna Council has awarded the group a contract to handle the city's rabbit problem.
TRACS will now be responsible for capturing, then spay or neutering the wild animals, then move them to sanctuaries for the rest of their lives.
Parks Services Manager Ian Wilson says they'll be keeping a close eye on the $11,500 process. He says, "We want evidence on where animals are being captured, we want databases, we want locations... we also want spay and neuter certificates."
Wilson says they'll be ready to step iin if the bunny population doesn't go down.
"There's a performance clause in there that says 'We'll give you seven days to step up your activities. If you fail to comply with that, we could come in and take some other measure - perhaps hire somebody else'."
Meanwhile, City Councillor Graeme James isn't entirely convinced the capture-and-neuter method will keep up with the rabbits this Spring.
He says, "I just hope they do maintain a low population, but I find it very difficult to not see where this is going. I just really have some problems with this."
James, who has previously stated he was in favour of culling, says TRACS' approach could be costly and ineffective:
"Rabbits will do what rabbits do... It's going to eat up the $11,500 up in no time if we do get an outbreak of rabbits. I just really have a problem with now changing our requirements to do that."
City Councillor Robert Hobson also had some concerns over TRACS' method.
"I think it would be a concern to me if they kept growing and we kept gathering them up and kept having sanctuaries with more and more rabbits in them. And then you create an expectation that someone's going to have to look after them. Then, can they take care of that many rabbits? Etcetera, etcetera..."
In the end, the motion was passed with a unanimous vote. City Staff will return to Council in about six months with an update on how the rabbits are being managed.
Denise Wong
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Council reluctantly approves TRACS/Council clears TRACS
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-46009-1-.htm#46009
Council reluctantly approves TRACS
by Wayne Moore - Story: 46009
Mar 31, 2009 / 5:00 am
Kelowna City Council reluctantly approved a rabbit maintenance contract Monday.
The Responsible Animal Control Society (TRACS), was the only organization to submit a formal bid to control the dwindling feral rabbit population within the City.
City Park Services Manager, Ian Wilson, told council three weeks ago the population was down to no more than 100 rabbits.
"I am happy to report to you today that the feral rabbit population still appears very low, although I have had a few reports recently about some young rabbits already and I have a few calls from other little pockets that we didn't know about," Wilson told council.
"We still seem to be at a very low level through the efforts of EBB, TRACS and other volunteers in the community."
Wilson says bid requests were sent out to nine organizations and TRACS was the only one which responded with a bid.
"The quote was accessed and deemed to be acceptable, therefore staff is recommending the award of an ongoing contract for one year for monitoring and control of Kelowna's feral rabbits for $11,550."
Some on council did have concerns about TRACS' ability to do what may be necessary if the population does explode again.
Councillor Robert Hobson, expressed concerns over a lack of details over where the animals would be housed and assurances they wouldn't become a burden on another area.
"Are they prepared to put them down if they can't look after them or are they going to love them all and have them in a sanctuary forever. What if they run out of resources, are they going to come back for more money to build sanctuaries and feed them? That's the concern that I have," says Hobson.
"I really want this to work and the way it has to work is we have to keep them from having young ones and spay and neuter them fast enough."
While not knowing details of where the rabbits would be transported, Wilson did say on-going feeding and care was the sole responsibility of the contractor.
"We're just paying for the initial monitoring and the control of the rabbits. We want to make it clear that we are not going to be paying for the on-going care and feeding for years to come."
Councillor Graeme James, had reservations about the ability of TRACS to spay and neuter rabbits they are able to trap.
"Cost is going to eat that money up in no time if we get an outbreak. I see this as a problem in the future. If we do give this to TRACS they have to maintain a low population," says Graham.
"I find it difficult to not see where this is going. I have some real problems with this."
Wilson did remind Council there is a performance provision within the contract stating if populations explode in a specific area, the contractor has seven days to step up activities or the city could take other measures, including brining in someone else, terminating the contract or reducing the payment.
Meantime, Councillor Brian Given, wanted to ensure that all statements made regarding feral rabbits come from the city and not the contractor.
"Since TRACS is now a contractor for the city, I would like to see us make sure that TRACS does not speak for the city. Any communication must be funneled through the city and their communications department," says Given.
"I don't want them speaking on behalf of the city on their website now that they are a contractor for the city."
Councillor Charlie Hodge endorsed TRACS, saying the local organization has a good track record.
Hodge also encouraged people with rabbits on private property to contact TRACS.
He says now that people know the animals will be trapped and not killed, they should feel more comfortable knowing they will be kept alive.
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/top_story.phpid=175707&type=Local
Council clears TRACS
Ron Seymour 2009-03-31
Unanimously, but with a few misgivings, Kelowna council on Monday handed the city‘s feral rabbit management program to The Responsible Animal Care Society.
The non-profit group was awarded an $11,500, one-year contract that will see volunteers catch the remaining rabbits, arrange for their sterilization, then place the animals in secure pens or foster homes.
“I hope this works,” Coun. Robert Hobson said, expressing concern that the captured rabbits might eventually escape from the pens and pose a threat to agriculture.
Other councillors called for the terms of the contract with TRACS to be vigilantly enforced, to ensure the group is achieving the goal of reducing the rabbit population as close as possible to zero. If it appears the rabbit numbers are rising again, and TRACS is not dealing with the problem, the contract with the group could be cancelled.
TRACS is already caring for about 450 rabbits, and other councillors said the group could easily deal with the remaining animals, estimated at no more than 100.
“I‘m very supportive of TRACS taking on this challenge,” Mayor Sharon Shepherd said.
Council will get a report back within six months, if not sooner, on how TRACS is handling the rabbit situation.
Last year, a city-hired contractor, EBB Environmental Consulting, killed hundreds of the wild rabbits, sparking complaints from TRACS and others.
“There aren‘t many of the bunnies left now, but if we get this contract, we‘ll do what we can to save them,” TRACS director Sinnika Crosland said recently.
City officials asked nine different groups and firms for bids on dealing with the remaining rabbits, but TRACS was the only one to submit a proposal.
“I‘m optimistic that (their) approach is going to work,” pest control supervisor Ian Wilson told council.
The city‘s wild rabbit problem got started when people abandoned rabbits that had once been pets. Wanting to avoid a repeat of that situation, Coun. Michele Rule noted the approaching holiday, and said: “Please don‘t buy bunnies for Easter presents.”
Council reluctantly approves TRACS
by Wayne Moore - Story: 46009
Mar 31, 2009 / 5:00 am
Kelowna City Council reluctantly approved a rabbit maintenance contract Monday.
The Responsible Animal Control Society (TRACS), was the only organization to submit a formal bid to control the dwindling feral rabbit population within the City.
City Park Services Manager, Ian Wilson, told council three weeks ago the population was down to no more than 100 rabbits.
"I am happy to report to you today that the feral rabbit population still appears very low, although I have had a few reports recently about some young rabbits already and I have a few calls from other little pockets that we didn't know about," Wilson told council.
"We still seem to be at a very low level through the efforts of EBB, TRACS and other volunteers in the community."
Wilson says bid requests were sent out to nine organizations and TRACS was the only one which responded with a bid.
"The quote was accessed and deemed to be acceptable, therefore staff is recommending the award of an ongoing contract for one year for monitoring and control of Kelowna's feral rabbits for $11,550."
Some on council did have concerns about TRACS' ability to do what may be necessary if the population does explode again.
Councillor Robert Hobson, expressed concerns over a lack of details over where the animals would be housed and assurances they wouldn't become a burden on another area.
"Are they prepared to put them down if they can't look after them or are they going to love them all and have them in a sanctuary forever. What if they run out of resources, are they going to come back for more money to build sanctuaries and feed them? That's the concern that I have," says Hobson.
"I really want this to work and the way it has to work is we have to keep them from having young ones and spay and neuter them fast enough."
While not knowing details of where the rabbits would be transported, Wilson did say on-going feeding and care was the sole responsibility of the contractor.
"We're just paying for the initial monitoring and the control of the rabbits. We want to make it clear that we are not going to be paying for the on-going care and feeding for years to come."
Councillor Graeme James, had reservations about the ability of TRACS to spay and neuter rabbits they are able to trap.
"Cost is going to eat that money up in no time if we get an outbreak. I see this as a problem in the future. If we do give this to TRACS they have to maintain a low population," says Graham.
"I find it difficult to not see where this is going. I have some real problems with this."
Wilson did remind Council there is a performance provision within the contract stating if populations explode in a specific area, the contractor has seven days to step up activities or the city could take other measures, including brining in someone else, terminating the contract or reducing the payment.
Meantime, Councillor Brian Given, wanted to ensure that all statements made regarding feral rabbits come from the city and not the contractor.
"Since TRACS is now a contractor for the city, I would like to see us make sure that TRACS does not speak for the city. Any communication must be funneled through the city and their communications department," says Given.
"I don't want them speaking on behalf of the city on their website now that they are a contractor for the city."
Councillor Charlie Hodge endorsed TRACS, saying the local organization has a good track record.
Hodge also encouraged people with rabbits on private property to contact TRACS.
He says now that people know the animals will be trapped and not killed, they should feel more comfortable knowing they will be kept alive.
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/top_story.phpid=175707&type=Local
Council clears TRACS
Ron Seymour 2009-03-31
Unanimously, but with a few misgivings, Kelowna council on Monday handed the city‘s feral rabbit management program to The Responsible Animal Care Society.
The non-profit group was awarded an $11,500, one-year contract that will see volunteers catch the remaining rabbits, arrange for their sterilization, then place the animals in secure pens or foster homes.
“I hope this works,” Coun. Robert Hobson said, expressing concern that the captured rabbits might eventually escape from the pens and pose a threat to agriculture.
Other councillors called for the terms of the contract with TRACS to be vigilantly enforced, to ensure the group is achieving the goal of reducing the rabbit population as close as possible to zero. If it appears the rabbit numbers are rising again, and TRACS is not dealing with the problem, the contract with the group could be cancelled.
TRACS is already caring for about 450 rabbits, and other councillors said the group could easily deal with the remaining animals, estimated at no more than 100.
“I‘m very supportive of TRACS taking on this challenge,” Mayor Sharon Shepherd said.
Council will get a report back within six months, if not sooner, on how TRACS is handling the rabbit situation.
Last year, a city-hired contractor, EBB Environmental Consulting, killed hundreds of the wild rabbits, sparking complaints from TRACS and others.
“There aren‘t many of the bunnies left now, but if we get this contract, we‘ll do what we can to save them,” TRACS director Sinnika Crosland said recently.
City officials asked nine different groups and firms for bids on dealing with the remaining rabbits, but TRACS was the only one to submit a proposal.
“I‘m optimistic that (their) approach is going to work,” pest control supervisor Ian Wilson told council.
The city‘s wild rabbit problem got started when people abandoned rabbits that had once been pets. Wanting to avoid a repeat of that situation, Coun. Michele Rule noted the approaching holiday, and said: “Please don‘t buy bunnies for Easter presents.”
Friday, March 27, 2009
TRACS clear for rabbit rescue
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories_local.php?id=174929
TRACS clear for rabbit rescue
2009-03-27
Kelowna‘s remaining feral rabbits should be caged, sterilized and cared for, rather than killed, city council will hear Monday. Staff recommend an $11,550, one-year contract be awarded to The Society for Responsible Animal Care, a volunteer-group that‘s been highly critical of a city contractor‘s effort to kill hundreds of rabbits.
“This is wonderful news that has been a long time coming,” TRACS executive director Sinnika Crosland said Thursday. “I‘m really happy the city is giving us the chance to get involved in this way. There aren‘t many of the bunnies left now, but if we get this contract we‘ll do what we can to save them.”
The money can only be used for the “monitoring and control” of the rabbits, according to a city tendering document circulated to nine contractors and groups. TRACS was the only one to submit a proposal. What the condition means, in practise, is that TRACS can only use the money to sterilize any rabbits its volunteers are able to trap. The money cannot be used for the ongoing feeding of the animals. With sterilization costs of about $70 per animal, TRACS could use the $11,550 to neuter or spay about 165 rabbits.
Estimates of the remaining wild rabbit population vary from two dozen to about 100. TRACS volunteers intend to trap the remaining animals, have vets sterilize them, then place them either in foster homes or in secure pens.
To deal with the burgeoning population of wild rabbits last year, most of which were concentrated along Enterprise Way, the city awarded a contract to EBB Environmental Consulting. The company killed hundreds of rabbits, sparking protests from animal rights groups. Meanwhile, volunteers with TRACS were also out capturing rabbits, caging about 450 of them.
The group raised about $30,000 in donations to help cover the cost of sterilizing the animals, and putting them in foster homes or pens. The contract to be considered Monday includes a provision that city staff be satisfied the rabbit problem is abating. If municipal officials believe the rabbit population is on the increase, the contract with TRACS could be cancelled.
If city council awards the one-year contract to TRACS, the group will appeal for more volunteers to help out with the caging of and caring for the rabbits, Crosland said.
“We‘ve had a consistent group of about eight volunteers, but with the weather improving and the nights getting longer, I hope the numbers will go up,” she said.
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-45938-1-.htm#45938
TRACS lone bunny bidder
by Wayne Moore - Story: 45938Mar 27, 2009 / 6:00 am
It seems persistence has paid off for The Responsible Animal Care Society (TRACS).
City Council is expected to award a rabbit maintenance contract to the Kelowna animal rights group when it meets Monday.
Parks Services Manager, Ian Wilson, says proposals were sent to nine proponents and only TRACS responded with a quote.
"The TRACS proposal was good and it met all of our criteria, so that is what we are recommending," says Wilson.
The contract with Delta based EBB Environmental Consulting expired earlier this month.
That contract was extended two weeks while the City looked for an organization to provide on-going maintenance and control of the remaining feral rabbit population.
Earlier this month, Wilson indicated no more than 100 rabbits remained, mostly along the Enterprise Way corridor.
He says that number has likely been reduced over the past few weeks through the work of EBB and TRACS.
TRACS bid $11,550 for the one year maintenance contract to capture, spay/neuter and find homes for the remaining feral rabbits.
Wilson says the remainder of the $20,000 budgeted for the project will go towards a public education plan.
The Community and Media Relations Department at City Hall are working on that plan.
Meantime, with Easter less than a month away, Wilson says he is concerned more "pet" rabbits could find themselves set free in the city.
"People buy these rabbits for pets at Easter and when they get them home, they are not quite the animal or the pet they expected, and unfortunately those animals sometimes get released or abandoned into the environment. I would urge people not to buy rabbits on impulse."
There is a bylaw in place now in Kelowna making it illegal for stores to sell rabbits that have not been spayed or neutered.
TRACS clear for rabbit rescue
2009-03-27
Kelowna‘s remaining feral rabbits should be caged, sterilized and cared for, rather than killed, city council will hear Monday. Staff recommend an $11,550, one-year contract be awarded to The Society for Responsible Animal Care, a volunteer-group that‘s been highly critical of a city contractor‘s effort to kill hundreds of rabbits.
“This is wonderful news that has been a long time coming,” TRACS executive director Sinnika Crosland said Thursday. “I‘m really happy the city is giving us the chance to get involved in this way. There aren‘t many of the bunnies left now, but if we get this contract we‘ll do what we can to save them.”
The money can only be used for the “monitoring and control” of the rabbits, according to a city tendering document circulated to nine contractors and groups. TRACS was the only one to submit a proposal. What the condition means, in practise, is that TRACS can only use the money to sterilize any rabbits its volunteers are able to trap. The money cannot be used for the ongoing feeding of the animals. With sterilization costs of about $70 per animal, TRACS could use the $11,550 to neuter or spay about 165 rabbits.
Estimates of the remaining wild rabbit population vary from two dozen to about 100. TRACS volunteers intend to trap the remaining animals, have vets sterilize them, then place them either in foster homes or in secure pens.
To deal with the burgeoning population of wild rabbits last year, most of which were concentrated along Enterprise Way, the city awarded a contract to EBB Environmental Consulting. The company killed hundreds of rabbits, sparking protests from animal rights groups. Meanwhile, volunteers with TRACS were also out capturing rabbits, caging about 450 of them.
The group raised about $30,000 in donations to help cover the cost of sterilizing the animals, and putting them in foster homes or pens. The contract to be considered Monday includes a provision that city staff be satisfied the rabbit problem is abating. If municipal officials believe the rabbit population is on the increase, the contract with TRACS could be cancelled.
If city council awards the one-year contract to TRACS, the group will appeal for more volunteers to help out with the caging of and caring for the rabbits, Crosland said.
“We‘ve had a consistent group of about eight volunteers, but with the weather improving and the nights getting longer, I hope the numbers will go up,” she said.
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-45938-1-.htm#45938
TRACS lone bunny bidder
by Wayne Moore - Story: 45938Mar 27, 2009 / 6:00 am
It seems persistence has paid off for The Responsible Animal Care Society (TRACS).
City Council is expected to award a rabbit maintenance contract to the Kelowna animal rights group when it meets Monday.
Parks Services Manager, Ian Wilson, says proposals were sent to nine proponents and only TRACS responded with a quote.
"The TRACS proposal was good and it met all of our criteria, so that is what we are recommending," says Wilson.
The contract with Delta based EBB Environmental Consulting expired earlier this month.
That contract was extended two weeks while the City looked for an organization to provide on-going maintenance and control of the remaining feral rabbit population.
Earlier this month, Wilson indicated no more than 100 rabbits remained, mostly along the Enterprise Way corridor.
He says that number has likely been reduced over the past few weeks through the work of EBB and TRACS.
TRACS bid $11,550 for the one year maintenance contract to capture, spay/neuter and find homes for the remaining feral rabbits.
Wilson says the remainder of the $20,000 budgeted for the project will go towards a public education plan.
The Community and Media Relations Department at City Hall are working on that plan.
Meantime, with Easter less than a month away, Wilson says he is concerned more "pet" rabbits could find themselves set free in the city.
"People buy these rabbits for pets at Easter and when they get them home, they are not quite the animal or the pet they expected, and unfortunately those animals sometimes get released or abandoned into the environment. I would urge people not to buy rabbits on impulse."
There is a bylaw in place now in Kelowna making it illegal for stores to sell rabbits that have not been spayed or neutered.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Be Cruel or Kind?
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story--10-.htm
Be cruel or be kind?
To the editor:RE: Culling of rabbits remains an option
While Kelowna's leaders debated the fate of the remaining feral rabbits at the most recent Council meeting this Monday, it seemed somehow ironic that a team of experienced rabbit rescuers in attendance at the meeting was not permitted to clarify misinformation liberally bandied about by certain councillors (the public is not allowed to speak at Council meetings). But if TRACS could have provided input, this is what we would have said:
Rabbits are not "rodents", as emphatically claimed by Councillor Graeme James. They belong to the order Lagomorpha, which also includes hares and pikas.
Contrary to statements made at the meeting, it is not extremely difficult to trap rabbits in the warmer months of the year. TRACS has now humanely removed close to 450 rabbits off the streets of Kelowna, and the majority of these were caught during the spring, summer and fall of 2008. These animals are now receiving the good care they deserve in foster homes and sanctuaries. Further, it has been claimed by City staff as well as EBB (the company hired to deal with the bunnies) that rabbits are not likely to reproduce in the winter. It is interesting that TRACS has trapped juveniles as well as pregnant rabbits all year long (including very recently).
Since January, when EBB was instructed to live-trap and give rabbits to rescue groups, they certainly complied and the groups received 13 rabbits in a period of three weeks. During the same period of time, TRACS volunteers (during lunch breaks and after their working day) caught 15 rabbits in ten days. EBB's contract recently ran out, and they caught no more. Rabbit defenders in the community continued to work, however, taking 34 additional rabbits off the streets.
Councillor Graeme James states that he is not comfortable spending taxpayers' money on rabbits. He favours lethal methods. This begs the question: what is the difference to the taxpayer if EBB receives a salary for doing the job, or if rabbit rescuers volunteer their time to catch the animals, applying funding to sterilization instead?
Councillor James assumes that taxpayers do not want humane animal control to be funded with their money. He forgets that many taxpayers in the city favour the kind treatment of animals. Rabbits are as dear to the hearts of many citizens as are cats and dogs.
The bottom line is this. Kelowna can choose to be cruel or to be kind. If kindness costs no more to the taxpayer than the mass-killing of an endearing species of animal, in what direction would an ethical City Council wish to navigate?
Respectfully yours,
Sinikka Crosland, President, TRACS
Be cruel or be kind?
To the editor:RE: Culling of rabbits remains an option
While Kelowna's leaders debated the fate of the remaining feral rabbits at the most recent Council meeting this Monday, it seemed somehow ironic that a team of experienced rabbit rescuers in attendance at the meeting was not permitted to clarify misinformation liberally bandied about by certain councillors (the public is not allowed to speak at Council meetings). But if TRACS could have provided input, this is what we would have said:
Rabbits are not "rodents", as emphatically claimed by Councillor Graeme James. They belong to the order Lagomorpha, which also includes hares and pikas.
Contrary to statements made at the meeting, it is not extremely difficult to trap rabbits in the warmer months of the year. TRACS has now humanely removed close to 450 rabbits off the streets of Kelowna, and the majority of these were caught during the spring, summer and fall of 2008. These animals are now receiving the good care they deserve in foster homes and sanctuaries. Further, it has been claimed by City staff as well as EBB (the company hired to deal with the bunnies) that rabbits are not likely to reproduce in the winter. It is interesting that TRACS has trapped juveniles as well as pregnant rabbits all year long (including very recently).
Since January, when EBB was instructed to live-trap and give rabbits to rescue groups, they certainly complied and the groups received 13 rabbits in a period of three weeks. During the same period of time, TRACS volunteers (during lunch breaks and after their working day) caught 15 rabbits in ten days. EBB's contract recently ran out, and they caught no more. Rabbit defenders in the community continued to work, however, taking 34 additional rabbits off the streets.
Councillor Graeme James states that he is not comfortable spending taxpayers' money on rabbits. He favours lethal methods. This begs the question: what is the difference to the taxpayer if EBB receives a salary for doing the job, or if rabbit rescuers volunteer their time to catch the animals, applying funding to sterilization instead?
Councillor James assumes that taxpayers do not want humane animal control to be funded with their money. He forgets that many taxpayers in the city favour the kind treatment of animals. Rabbits are as dear to the hearts of many citizens as are cats and dogs.
The bottom line is this. Kelowna can choose to be cruel or to be kind. If kindness costs no more to the taxpayer than the mass-killing of an endearing species of animal, in what direction would an ethical City Council wish to navigate?
Respectfully yours,
Sinikka Crosland, President, TRACS
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Culling of rabbits remains an option (castanet.net)
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-45558-1-.htm#45558
Culling of rabbits remains an option
by Wayne Moore - Story: 45558
Mar 10, 2009 / 5:00 am
Kelowna Council agrees something has to be done quickly to ensure the remaining feral rabbit population is eliminated.
What they couldn't agree on is how.
Council debated the merits of live trapping versus culling for close to 90 minutes Monday, deciding culling should be an option, but not necessarily the first one.
EBB Environmental Consulting agreed to a $54,000 contract last spring to deal with the City's exploding rabbit population. At the time, it was estimated as many as 1,000 rabbits were running wild, most along the Enterprise Way corridor.
The contract with EBB expired March 4.
City Forestry Supervisor, Ian Wilson, says the population is now under control. Only 22 rabbits have been counted recently, although it is estimated as many as 100 may still be running wild.
"It's proven to be challenging to remove the last few remaining animals due to a number of reasons, low trapping efficiency, some continued interference. Only about a dozen rabbits have been trapped in the last three weeks by EBB," says Wilson.
"It's been a long, cold winter, but rabbit breeding season is just around the corner."
Unless monitoring and control efforts are continued, Wilson says the City faces another rabbit outbreak.
Wilson recommended Council extend the contract with EBB for two weeks while quotes are gathered on a new contract.
The new contract, worth $20,000, would provide $5,000 for education and communication and $15,000 for on-going rabbit control, including live trapping and/or culling, with a goal of eliminating the remaining population.
While most on Council agreed to allow EBB the opportunity to live trap only for the next two weeks, Councillor Graeme James was adamant that culling be an immediate option.
"However you look at it, these are rodents. Live trapping I believe is four-and-a-half times the cost of culling and they are having a hard time trapping because the population is low," says James.
"We have an obligation to keep the population low and if the only way we can do it is by culling, then we should be looking at that way."
Councillor Robert Hobson, says he is willing to allow only live trapping, but adds if that doesn't work, he does agree with culling.
"I want to move ahead with the most effective way to eliminate them and culling is the most effective," says Hobson.
While Council did vote against a return to culling, it did leave the door open for that option in the new contract, despite loud objections from Councillors Michele Rule and Charlie Hodge and Mayor Sharon Shepherd.
"I would be willing to support the recommendation if we could make the understanding that extra weight would be given to a contractor that came forward with a live trapping option that didn't include long term costs, but with live trapping being the preferred method," says Rule.
Mayor Shepherd said she would not be able to support any motion which included culling of any sort.
"Quite frankly, we have had horrible PR regarding this. I would like to walk out of this room thinking that we are in a new era and that we are doing things a little differently and trying to work with the community," says Shepherd.
"We have been inundated with correspondence that has been quite upset with the way we have dealt with this in the past. I think we have an opportunity to do it differently and the lack of culling I don't think is a way of saying we are putting our hands up and it's not going to be successful."
James disagreed, adding he's not in favour of continuing to throw a lot of taxpayer money at the problem.
"We're getting to the point where we can control them. I don't think we'll ever get rid of them, but if we can reduce their numbers significantly it will be a benefit to everybody," added James.
"I'm just not comfortable spending a lot of taxpayers money on rabbit, or rodents as I call them. So, I'm a proponent of actually culling them right now."
Council in the end did agree to extend the contract with EBB by two weeks while quotes are accepted for a new contractor.
EBB will only be able to live trap for the next two weeks.
Please write to: mayorandcouncil@kelowna.ca . "Taxpayers" do not necessarily accept the slaying of rabbits....they are as dear to the hearts of many people as are cats and dogs.
Culling of rabbits remains an option
by Wayne Moore - Story: 45558
Mar 10, 2009 / 5:00 am
Kelowna Council agrees something has to be done quickly to ensure the remaining feral rabbit population is eliminated.
What they couldn't agree on is how.
Council debated the merits of live trapping versus culling for close to 90 minutes Monday, deciding culling should be an option, but not necessarily the first one.
EBB Environmental Consulting agreed to a $54,000 contract last spring to deal with the City's exploding rabbit population. At the time, it was estimated as many as 1,000 rabbits were running wild, most along the Enterprise Way corridor.
The contract with EBB expired March 4.
City Forestry Supervisor, Ian Wilson, says the population is now under control. Only 22 rabbits have been counted recently, although it is estimated as many as 100 may still be running wild.
"It's proven to be challenging to remove the last few remaining animals due to a number of reasons, low trapping efficiency, some continued interference. Only about a dozen rabbits have been trapped in the last three weeks by EBB," says Wilson.
"It's been a long, cold winter, but rabbit breeding season is just around the corner."
Unless monitoring and control efforts are continued, Wilson says the City faces another rabbit outbreak.
Wilson recommended Council extend the contract with EBB for two weeks while quotes are gathered on a new contract.
The new contract, worth $20,000, would provide $5,000 for education and communication and $15,000 for on-going rabbit control, including live trapping and/or culling, with a goal of eliminating the remaining population.
While most on Council agreed to allow EBB the opportunity to live trap only for the next two weeks, Councillor Graeme James was adamant that culling be an immediate option.
"However you look at it, these are rodents. Live trapping I believe is four-and-a-half times the cost of culling and they are having a hard time trapping because the population is low," says James.
"We have an obligation to keep the population low and if the only way we can do it is by culling, then we should be looking at that way."
Councillor Robert Hobson, says he is willing to allow only live trapping, but adds if that doesn't work, he does agree with culling.
"I want to move ahead with the most effective way to eliminate them and culling is the most effective," says Hobson.
While Council did vote against a return to culling, it did leave the door open for that option in the new contract, despite loud objections from Councillors Michele Rule and Charlie Hodge and Mayor Sharon Shepherd.
"I would be willing to support the recommendation if we could make the understanding that extra weight would be given to a contractor that came forward with a live trapping option that didn't include long term costs, but with live trapping being the preferred method," says Rule.
Mayor Shepherd said she would not be able to support any motion which included culling of any sort.
"Quite frankly, we have had horrible PR regarding this. I would like to walk out of this room thinking that we are in a new era and that we are doing things a little differently and trying to work with the community," says Shepherd.
"We have been inundated with correspondence that has been quite upset with the way we have dealt with this in the past. I think we have an opportunity to do it differently and the lack of culling I don't think is a way of saying we are putting our hands up and it's not going to be successful."
James disagreed, adding he's not in favour of continuing to throw a lot of taxpayer money at the problem.
"We're getting to the point where we can control them. I don't think we'll ever get rid of them, but if we can reduce their numbers significantly it will be a benefit to everybody," added James.
"I'm just not comfortable spending a lot of taxpayers money on rabbit, or rodents as I call them. So, I'm a proponent of actually culling them right now."
Council in the end did agree to extend the contract with EBB by two weeks while quotes are accepted for a new contractor.
EBB will only be able to live trap for the next two weeks.
Please write to: mayorandcouncil@kelowna.ca . "Taxpayers" do not necessarily accept the slaying of rabbits....they are as dear to the hearts of many people as are cats and dogs.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Feral rabbits on city council agenda Monday March 9th!
A message from Sinikka Crosland:
Hi all,
Just a quick note to let you know that the feral rabbit issue is on the agenda for the next council meeting--Monday, March 9th beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The item # is 6.3, which is a fair distance along, but it is hard to tell whether the items from the first part of the meeting will be short. Here is the link:
http://www.kelowna.ca/CityPage/Docs/PDFs/%5CCouncil%5CMeetings%5CCouncil%20Meetings%202009%5C2009-03-09/Agenda%20-%20March%209%20P.M.%20Regular%20Meeting.pdf
Or: Go to http://www.kelowna.ca/CM/Page164.aspx and click on Agenda March 9 p.m. regular meeting.
Parks Manager Ian Wilson's report is also on the site. He is proposing up to $20,000 to be given to a contractor for maintenance of the feral rabbit program as well as public education. EBB is receiving an extension (live-trapping only) in the interim.
See you at the meeting if you can make it!
Best,
Sinikka
Hi all,
Just a quick note to let you know that the feral rabbit issue is on the agenda for the next council meeting--Monday, March 9th beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The item # is 6.3, which is a fair distance along, but it is hard to tell whether the items from the first part of the meeting will be short. Here is the link:
http://www.kelowna.ca/CityPage/Docs/PDFs/%5CCouncil%5CMeetings%5CCouncil%20Meetings%202009%5C2009-03-09/Agenda%20-%20March%209%20P.M.%20Regular%20Meeting.pdf
Or: Go to http://www.kelowna.ca/CM/Page164.aspx and click on Agenda March 9 p.m. regular meeting.
Parks Manager Ian Wilson's report is also on the site. He is proposing up to $20,000 to be given to a contractor for maintenance of the feral rabbit program as well as public education. EBB is receiving an extension (live-trapping only) in the interim.
See you at the meeting if you can make it!
Best,
Sinikka
Friday, February 13, 2009
Media Release: Saving Lives on Valentine's Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 13, 2009: SAVING LIVES ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Kelowna, B.C.:
A contractor hired by the City of Kelowna to eliminate the feral rabbit population is now giving all trapped rabbits to community rescue groups.
TRACS and other animal protection organizations are not only receiving rabbits from EBB Environmental Consulting, but our volunteers are also continuing to actively capture rabbits in order to ensure their comfort and safety.
The contractor has to date killed close to 600 feral rabbits (methods included shooting, a documented stomping incident, and applying a penetrating captive bolt to the head). TRACS has humanely removed over 400 rabbits off city streets.
We are still continuing to rescue the animals and place them into foster homes, adoptive homes, and sanctuaries. Kelowna City Parks has stated that cash is running out for EBB, whose feral rabbit control contract had totalled $54,000.
TRACS has not received any funding from the city and has been reliant on our own fundraising efforts to sterilize and house rescued rabbits.In keeping with our commitment to the rabbits, TRACS will be at Total Pet on Valentine’s Day with our “Bunny for Your Hunny” booth.
For a full sponsorship of a rabbit, donors will receive a photo of the bunny of their choice to place in their favourite person’s Valentine.
All proceeds go directly to the rabbits to supply veterinary care (including sterilization), nutritious food, shelter, and room to run and play out of harm’s way.
Event details:
Saturday February 14th
Total Pet - 1985 Harvey Avenue10 am to 4 pm
For more information, please contact TRACS: 250-768-4803.
FEBRUARY 13, 2009: SAVING LIVES ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Kelowna, B.C.:
A contractor hired by the City of Kelowna to eliminate the feral rabbit population is now giving all trapped rabbits to community rescue groups.
TRACS and other animal protection organizations are not only receiving rabbits from EBB Environmental Consulting, but our volunteers are also continuing to actively capture rabbits in order to ensure their comfort and safety.
The contractor has to date killed close to 600 feral rabbits (methods included shooting, a documented stomping incident, and applying a penetrating captive bolt to the head). TRACS has humanely removed over 400 rabbits off city streets.
We are still continuing to rescue the animals and place them into foster homes, adoptive homes, and sanctuaries. Kelowna City Parks has stated that cash is running out for EBB, whose feral rabbit control contract had totalled $54,000.
TRACS has not received any funding from the city and has been reliant on our own fundraising efforts to sterilize and house rescued rabbits.In keeping with our commitment to the rabbits, TRACS will be at Total Pet on Valentine’s Day with our “Bunny for Your Hunny” booth.
For a full sponsorship of a rabbit, donors will receive a photo of the bunny of their choice to place in their favourite person’s Valentine.
All proceeds go directly to the rabbits to supply veterinary care (including sterilization), nutritious food, shelter, and room to run and play out of harm’s way.
Event details:
Saturday February 14th
Total Pet - 1985 Harvey Avenue10 am to 4 pm
For more information, please contact TRACS: 250-768-4803.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Save a Bunny for Your Valentine
This Valentine's Day message is from:
TRACS (The Responsible Animal Care Society)
P.O. Box 26097
Westbank, B.C.V4T 2G3
Ph/fax: 250-768-4803
P.O. Box 26097
Westbank, B.C.V4T 2G3
Ph/fax: 250-768-4803
For a $25 tax deductible donation you can give the gift of life to a
Bunny while giving the best gift of all to your loved ones.
Bunny while giving the best gift of all to your loved ones.
Pick a “Bunny for your Hunny”
and we will send them a Valentine e-card featuring their Bunny as
well as a link to their bunny’s story on our website.
Every donation gets these bunnies out of danger and one step closer to living their
life worry free surrounded by their friends.
life worry free surrounded by their friends.
Be their Valentine!
Visit us at www.tracs-bc.ca to send your Valentine’s wish
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Bunny lovers freeing rabbits from traps/Rabbits subject of 'hate mail'
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-44793-1-.htm#44793Rabbits subject of 'hate mail'
by Wayne Moore - Story: 44793Feb 3, 2009 / 7:00 am
Councillor Graeme James. (Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet)
Kelowna citizens for and against the capture of feral rabbits in the City are being encouraged to 'chill out.'
Councillor Charlie Hodge asked that threatening calls and emails stop during a debate on how to proceed after the current contract with EBB Environmental Consulting runs out.
"I have some real concerns with the response by some of the public. I've received some phone calls and some emails," says Hodge.
"I would ask the public to be cognizant when they are making these intimidating phone calls, especially to our staff that the people here are doing their best to solve this problem. I wouldn't say its militant groups as much as it is individuals that are perhaps going way over the edge in terms of threats and insults."
City Forestry Supervisor, Ian Wilson, says EBB has also been receiving threats after the company requested using air rifles again, saying it was more effective and less costly than trapping.
"In recent discussions with them, and I know they had suggested that two weeks ago, they have gotten a lot of hate mail to put it nicely," says Wilson.
"They are a little more reluctant to go back to that."
In a detailed update for Council, Wilson says 654 rabbits have been trapped and relocated or killed to date. He says about 67 of those were trapped during the past two weeks.
"Most of those were euthanized because we were unable to find immediate homes for them, however, I asked EBB to keep some of the animals alive in cages and well fed in hopes we may be able to find homes for them in the very near future."
Wilson says EBB has enough money left on its contract with the city for about three more weeks.
While he says it is reasonable they could trap another 60 rabbits, he estimates there are about 100 to 150 rabbits remaining.
He says those are conservative estimates and does acknowledge some new pockets have recently been discovered.
Wilson did receive an estimate from EBB on costs beyond the conclusion of the contract. Figures he presented to council include:
Trapping 50 rabbits - $5,780
Trapping 100 rabbits - $11,560
Trapping 150 rabbits - $17,341
With a short time remaining, Councillors showed concern over what could happen if the rabbit population were allowed to replenish itself.
Councillor Graeme James urged returning to the more effective air rifle as originally proposed by EBB, however, that option was discounted by the rest of council.
"Like I said before, I have spoken with the agricultural community and they are concerned. We now have rabbits on Glenmore Road in the Kane Road area and I can attest that if you see 150 rabbits there are a lot more in the bushes," says James.
"I just can't see wasting taxpayers money on more trapping."
Councillor Robert Hobson wanted the process to play out before making any further decisions.
"I feel we have agreed to this course of action, and it's coming to an end in the next few weeks. We are seeing considerable progress, so let's see where we go," says Hobson.
"I'm not ruling out any option once the contract is up as far as I'm concerned."
Wilson told council he would return once the contract is up with further updates. At that time, Council will likely set the next course of action.
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=162231
Bunny lovers freeing rabbits from traps
By Ron Seymour
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Trapped rabbits are being freed from their cages by people opposed to the city‘s eradication campaign, council heard on Monday.
And some property owners are refusing to let the traps be set up on their land.
Such people are “interfering” with the efforts of a city-hired contractor to reduce the number of wild rabbits, pest control supervisor Ian Wilson told council.
Nevertheless, the program is achieving results, with only an estimated 100-150 rabbits remaining from a peak population count last fall of more than 1,000.
Virtually all of the rabbits have been killed, though a few dozen have been placed with animal protection groups opposed to the cull.
EBB Environmental Consulting Ltd., which won a $54,000 contract to deal with the rabbits last year, only has enough money remaining in its budget to keep up the trapping-and-killing for a few more weeks.
To round up and dispatch the rest of the rabbits might cost another $17,000, according to estimates provided to the city by EBB.
Some animal-rights groups have offered to accept more of the trapped rabbits, if the city provides money for their care and feeding.
Council took no action on Monday, deciding to let the contract with EBB run its course and then revisit the issue in a few weeks.
Coun. Graeme James introduced a motion allowing EBB to once again begin shooting the rabbits where they are found.
That was the method originally used, but the city put a halt to it after an EBB employee was observed last fall stomping a rabbit to death after a pellet gun didn‘t kill it.
Since then, the rabbits have been trapped, usually at night, then moved to a second location, where most of them are shot.
James said shooting on-site is arguably more inhumane to the rabbits, since it probably “scared the bejeezus” out of the animals to be trapped, relocated and then killed.
But James‘ motion to allow EBB to begin shooting the rabbits where they are found was defeated by council.
“Give it another three weeks of live trapping with the goal being relocation, and then see where we‘re at,” said Coun. Charlie Hodge.
“I‘m not ruling out any options once the contract is up,” said Coun. Robert Hobson.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Bunny contractor short of cash (castanet)
(The rabbit issue will be addressed at the Council meeting Monday, Feb. 2nd at 1:30 p.m.)
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story--1-.htm
Bunny contractor short of cash
by Wayne Moore - Story: 44731Jan 30, 2009 / 1:00 pm
The company hired by the City of Kelowna to eliminate the city's feral rabbit population is quickly running out of cash.
EBB Environmental Consulting was awarded the contract, worth about $54,000, back in the spring of 2008.
City Urban Forestry Manager, Ian Wilson, explained to City Council two weeks ago, that the contract was a result of a Request For Proposal (RFP) and not a tender.
He says through the RFP process, once the money is gone, the contract is over. Through a tender, the contract ends when the job is finished.
At that meeting, Council asked Wilson to urge EBB to step up live trapping of the approximately 150 remaining rabbits, with the goal of re-location.
Council also wanted staff to look into involving local animal advocacy groups and determine an additional cost of live-trapping and re-locating the remaining rabbits.
In a new report, which will come to Council Monday, Wilson says EBB has stepped up the trapping program, capturing an additional 36 rabbits over an 11 day period.
"However, EBB also estimates the remaining budget in their contract will only allow them to continue trapping for about three more weeks," says Wilson in his report.
"Staff have asked EBB for an estimate of costs to extend the contract, if desired."
Wilson says he has received those costs, but prefers to wait until he has a chance to discuss the numbers with council before releasing them.
In his report, Wilson also indicated a number of animal advocacy groups were contacted.
He says The Responsible Animal Care Society (TRACS), was the only group willing to help with live-trapping as well as housing.
He says TRACS would accept 150 rabbits at a cost of $11,500.
Wilson adds a petting zoo in Keremeos also indicated it would welcome up to 150 rabbits.
Should council decide it wished to partner with one or more groups, Wilson says it could be addressed at final budget in regards to taxation.
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story--1-.htm
Bunny contractor short of cash
by Wayne Moore - Story: 44731Jan 30, 2009 / 1:00 pm
The company hired by the City of Kelowna to eliminate the city's feral rabbit population is quickly running out of cash.
EBB Environmental Consulting was awarded the contract, worth about $54,000, back in the spring of 2008.
City Urban Forestry Manager, Ian Wilson, explained to City Council two weeks ago, that the contract was a result of a Request For Proposal (RFP) and not a tender.
He says through the RFP process, once the money is gone, the contract is over. Through a tender, the contract ends when the job is finished.
At that meeting, Council asked Wilson to urge EBB to step up live trapping of the approximately 150 remaining rabbits, with the goal of re-location.
Council also wanted staff to look into involving local animal advocacy groups and determine an additional cost of live-trapping and re-locating the remaining rabbits.
In a new report, which will come to Council Monday, Wilson says EBB has stepped up the trapping program, capturing an additional 36 rabbits over an 11 day period.
"However, EBB also estimates the remaining budget in their contract will only allow them to continue trapping for about three more weeks," says Wilson in his report.
"Staff have asked EBB for an estimate of costs to extend the contract, if desired."
Wilson says he has received those costs, but prefers to wait until he has a chance to discuss the numbers with council before releasing them.
In his report, Wilson also indicated a number of animal advocacy groups were contacted.
He says The Responsible Animal Care Society (TRACS), was the only group willing to help with live-trapping as well as housing.
He says TRACS would accept 150 rabbits at a cost of $11,500.
Wilson adds a petting zoo in Keremeos also indicated it would welcome up to 150 rabbits.
Should council decide it wished to partner with one or more groups, Wilson says it could be addressed at final budget in regards to taxation.
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