The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Friday, July 6, 2012
www.pqbnews.com
A17
Rabbits may be an invasive pest, but not much can be done CONTINUED FROM PAGE A15
He does point out that the sentimental attachment people get to some invasive species that happen to be cute makes it much harder to have rational public policy discussions. “It’s sad people get so worked up, would it be the same if we were talking about a dangerous spider?” he asked throwing in other more problematic species like snapping turtles and the snakehead fish recently found in a Burnaby pond. “People understand the effect of climate change on the environment, they see that a clearcut can affect a whole species, but they don’t get that a certain plant or animal species can do the same thing.” Conservation officer Steve Ackles explained that the European rabbits found on the Island are officially considered invasive, non-native species and are listed as Schedule C, which means they can be captured and killed anywhere, as long as they are dealt with humanely and following the hunting regulations. Contrary to rumour, there are no native rabbits on Vancouver Island, only ones that have been introduced as pets and then let go or escaped. Ackles said the only time they would deal with a call about rabbits is if people were killing or disposing of them in an unsafe manner. Carmina Gooch of the Rabbit Advocacy Group of North Vancouver wrote to The News expressing the argument
AUREN RUVINSKY PHOTOS
There doesn’t appear to be much that can be done about rabbits, including these in the Springwood area of Parksville.
against measures like a cull. “These animals were abandoned by irresponsible and thoughtless owners, and now some vocal and uninformed residents want these animals to pay the ultimate price? I suggest that officials consider non-lethal measures only. A perceived quick fix in the name of a kill is costly, both morally and financially, ineffective and ongoing.” She also pointed out that while they may not be native, they are now part of the ecosystem and eradicating them would impact the species that now eat
them. She would rather see “common sense, proactive measures like enforcement, licensing or regulating breeders.” Ackles agreed that the rabbits play a roll in the food chain but wasn’t as positive pointing out they are a favourite snack of things like eagles and other large predators that you don’t necessarily want hunting in residential neighbourhoods. Meanwhile Parksville city staff are currently working on a report with op-
tions for council to consider and the B.C. Ministry of Environment suggests wire fencing, fungicide repellents or licensed pest control companies for people dealing with a particular rabbit pest problem. Robin Campbell is pessimistic, suggested that Parksville can pass bylaws, but without a coordinated provincial strategy, individual municipal bylaws would be like declaring themselves a nuclear free zone, little more than a symbolic gesture.
$10,000 Raised for Youth Charity Parksville Chrysler recently hosted its 19th annual “Friends of Parksville Chrysler” Charity Golf Tournament on May 12th at Pheasant Glen Golf Course. This year’s response was phenomenal, with close to 140 golfers hitting the links, along with the generosity of 50 corporate sponsors. This year’s tournament raised over $10,000, with the money going to the Rotary Club of Parksville to use towards their “Focus On Youth” in the Oceanside area. Parksville Chrysler Dodge Jeep would like to thank all their friends who came out to make this another successful year. Also, a huge Thank You to the following corporate sponsors. —Bob Bourgeault, Tournament Chairman
Parksville Pharmasave Scotiabank SRS Industries First Canadian Insurance McGorman McLean Ideal Images Nesbitt Burns (Keith Anderson) Pley Automotive Resource Group Evergreen Exhibitions The Beach Radio VanIsle Insurance Services United Rentals VIP Vehicle Detailing
Quality Foods Thrifty Foods Island Cleaning Supplies Davis Electric Tigh-na-Mara Resort & Spa French Creek Marine Pub Sunset Lanes Ward Electric JE Anderson & Assoc. Riverbend Resort TD Auto Finance Real Insurance Brent Morrison Golf Academy
Craig Carmichael, President, Rotary Club of Parksville, with Bob Bourgeault, Tournament Chairman
Dig Right Business Vancouver Island Triple H Contracting Andre St. Arneault (The Saints Team) DBM Realty Matt Breedlove Realtor Coastal Colour Printing Arrowsmith Moving Parksville United Carpet Dundee Wealth Management (Bill Lineham) Lion’s Gate Marketing
Dr. Francis Lacouvee Dentistry Island West Coast Developments Tim Hortons Jefferson Auctioneering Big Boy’s Toys Ohs & McLane Realty Group Meridian Forest Services Brodeur Events Parksville Chamber of Commerce Addy Power Adessa Auto Auction Quality Inn Bayside Pheasant Glen Golf Course