Nanaimo Animal Control Services recovered an abnormally large number of dead rabbits in and around Rotary Bowl stadium this morning.
Carley Colclough, control services’ pound coordinator, said “approximately 12” were found on Tuesday, although maintenance staff may have also dealt with some bodies. There was no obvious reasons for the deaths, she said.
“We did pick up an unusual number of deceased rabbits today,” said Colclough. “It is a little suspicious because while we pick up a lot of deceased rabbits, it’s usually one or two at a time and this was a higher number, but we don’t have any cause or any reason yet. It’s under investigation.”
The rabbits that animal control services usually picks up are ones that are typically killed by cars, Colclough said.
Colclough said the information will be forwarded to B.C. SPCA, which will decide whether to investigate.
“We don’t determine cause of death or anything, but the SPCA will have an opportunity to if they want to,” said Colclough.
Leon Davis, Nanaimo B.C. SPCA branch manager, said the B.C. SPCA is aware of the situation.
Nanaimo Animal Control Services has a contract with the City of Nanaimo for animal control services, including pickup of dead animals.
In 2017, animal control services recovered 174 dead rabbits, according to Colclough.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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