Your PUD News Release

Humane Society asks PUD to find new home for Rocky Reach rabbits

Chelan County PUD
News Release
1/6/2005

Chelan County PUD plans to relocate several hundred rabbits from its Rocky Reach grounds to a safe, secure animal sanctuary in Redmond, following a request by the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society.

“We believe it is not appropriate for domestic rabbits to live this way,” said Scott Wallace, director of operations for the Humane Society. “There are too many rabbits, and it is not humane to expect these animals to live in the wild where they are subject to harsh climate, predators and disease. They are domestic animals, and we have found a much better place for them. We hope this will solve the growing problem of overpopulation, disease and safety for the rabbits and for motorists driving by.”

Rabbits are occasionally struck by cars on the highway and by visitors and staff at the dam, and they are prone to attack by coyotes and birds of prey.

Wallace estimates there are 300-400 rabbits living in and around bushes near the entrance to Rocky Reach Dam, located about seven miles north of Wenatchee on Highway 97A. There are also a number of guinea pigs. The population has grown steadily since the 1980s when a few rabbits first appeared in the area from unknown sources and quickly multiplied among the juniper bushes. The rabbits have been a popular attraction at the dam for visitors who often bring children to feed the animals.

“The rabbits may be cute, but it’s not doing them any justice to be out there,” said Wallace. “This also encourages people to abandon their pets, and that’s one of the main things we want to prevent.”

Two Wenatchee area veterinarians have endorsed the Humane Society recommendation, saying that feral rabbits pose a disease risk, especially to people who may have lower immunity. Rabbits may bite or scratch people who try to pick them up or chase them.

“We know how popular these animals have been for the community,” said PUD Communications Director Steve Lachowicz. “We recognize there will be a lot of heartache over seeing them leave. But we hope everyone will understand that it is best for the animals.”

He said that instead of battling freezing temperatures, overcrowding, highway traffic and predators, the rabbits will be able to enjoy a safe, clean home at the rabbit sanctuary in Redmond. It will also remove a liability concern for the customer-owners of the PUD, as outlined in letters from two veterinarians.

Lachowicz explained that the PUD had taken steps to reduce liability by posting warning signs and adding a portable hand-washing station last summer. But with the latest recommendation from the Humane Society, it appears the PUD must take the next step of finding a new home for the rabbits.

Veterinarian Randy Hein, who provided the first evaluation of the rabbits over a year ago at the PUD’s request, examined several dozen rabbits this week and found them to be in generally good health. Some did have pasteurellosis, a condition that can be serious. Hein reinforced the recommendation of the Humane Society to move the rabbits to the sanctuary. The other local veterinarian asked to evaluate the rabbits at the dam is Ed Womack, who provided a letter to Chelan County PUD last year outlining his views.

“This has been a growing concern, and it appears we now have a wonderful solution that’s best for the animals,” said Lachowicz. “We are grateful for the help and guidance from the Humane Society.”

In preparation for their trip to Rabbit Meadows, the rabbits will be collected by the Humane Society and the PUD Fish and Wildlife Department staff. They will be checked by a veterinarian, then spayed and neutered if they are in good health. The Wenatchee Valley Humane Society will arrange for intermediate care and transport of the rabbits.

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Steve Lachowicz
Communications Director
661-4639, direct line
679-0148, cell
stevel@chelanpud.org