Media Release - Dumped Bunnies Accelerating Wild Rabbit Numbers

The east coast of Australia is experiencing an explosion of wild European rabbits, and Warringah is not immune.

The growing population of wild rabbits is being accelerated by favourable weather conditions, an increasing resistance to biological controls, and irresponsible pet owners dumping pet rabbits in bushland.

“Warringah Council Officers are increasingly finding domestic rabbits dumped in bushland reserves,” said a Council spokesperson.

“Domestic rabbits then breed with the wild populations causing the wild rabbit numbers to increase, putting further pressure on the environment and the government agencies that control them.”

People often buy rabbits on impulse, especially around Christmas time, without considering the implications of caring for the pet. Pet rabbits should be properly contained in a hutch or cage, de-sexed, microchipped and vaccinated against the RHD virus.

“There are several options for people who have a pet they no longer want without resorting to dumping. Warringah Council encourages people to find their pet a new home at:

• your local vet or pet shop
• the Animal Welfare League or RSPCA
• one of several animal adoption websites, including;

Rabbit Rescue Sanctuary rabbitrescuesanctuary.blogspot.com.au/

Australian Cavy Sanctuary australiancavysanctuary.com/

Porsche Rescue porschesrescue.com/adoptions/view.html

Pet Rescue petrescue.com.au/  

 

A Major Problem

Australia is home to the largest wild rabbit population in the world. Wild rabbits are a declared pest and are responsible for major environmental damage, including the destruction of native vegetation, urban lawns and gardens, and erosion. They compete with native animals, such as bandicoots, for food and shelter, and currently cause over $200 million damage annually in Australia.

The National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974) prohibits the release, without a license, of any animal not native to NSW (except a homing pigeon).

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1979) states that a person shall not abandon an animal. Maximum penalty $5500 or 6 months imprisonment.