For over a decade many feral rabbit colonies have called Calgary home, and now these colonies have multiplied across the entire city. 

Calgary City Council has previously ignored this ever growing issue, leaving it up to the local rescues and shelters to take in the sick and injured ones.  It is time this changes and they need to step in and assist with the problem.  

Recently some new "By-Laws" were implemented under the new Responsible Pet Ownership Act, however there is no mention of anything to do with rabbits.  Also today (February 17) the city announced they were bringing back their "No Cost Spay/Neuter" Program, and once again rabbits are not included in this project.  

By signing this petition we want Calgary City Council to understand the following:

1. Calgary's feral rabbit problem needs to be dealt with in a humane manner.  A "Trap/Spay/Neuter/Release" program needs to happen at the very least.   If possible, rabbits should be placed into a "Sanctuary" type setting and not in their previous environment.  There are many reasons why rabbits do not belong in the outdoor environment they originally came from.

2. Affordable Spay and Neuter programs need to be available to rabbit owners. 

3.  More laws need to be formed to protect rabbits and to prevent these same issues from repeating themselves. These need to specifically target irresponsible breeders and those who discard their animal outside and not surrendering it to a local shelter/rescue.   

4. Pet stores should be banned from selling unfixed rabbits.  Many issues from overpopulation stem down to the employee having a lack of knowledge about the animal (improper sexing) and selling to just anyone who wants to buy.   Pet stores should be forced to work with local shelters/rescues and not supporting breeding mills.