Ridgetown residents are hopping mad as the number of feral rabbits grows in part of the town.
Prior to the 2014 municipal election, a resident raised rabbits in the backyard of a Ridgetown property. Facing a property standards issue, the resident allegedly released the rabbits.
Councillor Dave VanDamme stands in a garden with chicken wire to keep rabbits out, June 8, 2016 (Photo courtesy of Dave VanDamme)
But the bunnies didn't make a left turn at Albuquerque. They stayed in Ridgetown and the population has been getting bigger ever since.
East Kent Councillor Dave VanDamme has now inherited the problem, and says the rabbits have ravaged the gardens of 140-160 homes in the southwestern part of the town.
"It's hard to put a number on the population," says VanDamme. "But if you were to take a quick walk down any of these streets, you'll see six here, then another six. It's an issue."
VanDamme has been working with administration and wants to designate feral rabbits as a "nuisance animal" in Chatham-Kent's animal control bylaw. He put forth the idea at a recent council meeting, but his motion was never seconded.
"There's another of homeowners that have spent around $400 each on solutions to try and protect their plants. These include things like chicken wire and different supplies you can find at a hardware store," explains VanDamme.
VanDamme adds the increased presence of rabbits has led to coyotes getting closer to the town for food. He plans to continue working with administration to find a solution.
