UVic rabbits can be moved: B.C. court

The B.C. Supreme Court has stepped in to support the University of Victoria to deal with the school's longstanding rabbit problem.

The court has lifted an injunction, meaning the university can now humanely trap the animals and move them to three sanctuaries in B.C. and one in Texas.

The woman behind the injunction, Roslyn Cassels, said after hearing the decision Monday that the effort to stop the university's plan was worth it, despite the court loss.

"We think every life is precious and we want to stand up for the rabbits," said Cassels.

She said the month-long injunction allowed volunteers to get provincial approval for three sanctuaries, who must cover all costs relating to the animals' sterilization and transportation.

The university hopes to cut the feral rabbit population by as many as 500, because they're damaging campus grounds, creating health and safety hazards and are migrating off campus.

"We're pleased that we'll be able to move forward and restore the grounds and reduce the rabbit population so we don't have to live with this," said Tom Smith, who is in charge of the university's rabbit management plan.

It's believed the rabbits are unwanted pets or the descendants of pets abandoned on the U-Vic campus by members of the community.