Review of Domestic Rabbits 
on the University of Victoria Campus
October 15, 2007

1.	Scope of Review

	a)	Background, Purpose and Goals

	Domestic rabbits have been a part of the University campus for many years.  Many visitors come to the campus to see the rabbits.  Many of our faculty, staff and students enjoy interactions with the rabbits.  While this is the case, particularly over the last year, there appears to have been a significant increase in the population and a number of concerns have been expressed, from both internal and external stakeholders, regarding the rabbits.   

	The purpose of this review is to obtain a factual understanding of the domestic rabbit population on the University of Victoria campus including the potential implications to the University faculty, staff and students, the public who access the University campus, and the surrounding community.  

	The scope of the review will include:

a)	an assessment of the domestic rabbit population including estimated number and health status with trends over the last few years
b)	an understanding of the potential positive and negative implications to our internal stakeholders
c)	an understanding of the potential positive and negative implications to our surrounding neighbours

	At the completion of the review, the University will review the findings and, based on the review, will determine the action required, if any, to balance the interests of the various stakeholders.

	b)	Review Team Composition

	Membership of the Review Team will include representatives from:

•	Office of the Vice-President Finance and Operations
•	Facilities Management
•	Campus Security Services
•	Athletics and Recreational Services
•	Occupational Health, Safety and Environment
•	University Communications
•	Student and Ancillary Services
•	Housing, Food and Conference Services
•	Community Relations

	Chair:  The chair of the taskforce will be the Executive Director of Facilities Management.

	Timing:  Meetings will be at the call of the chair.  A final report is expected to be completed by June 2008.

	Expert Advice:  The chair will invite input and comments from wildlife and other experts in this field as required.
 

	c)	Proposed Consultation

	During the review, interested members of the campus community and members from the surrounding community, who have expressed interest in this subject, will be asked to provide input.  Interested groups will include, as a minimum, representatives from:

•	University of Victoria Students’ Society
•	University of Victoria Graduate Students’ Society
•	Department of Environmental Studies
•	Island Medical Program (L. Peterson)
•	BCSPCA
•	Mount Tolmie Community Association
•	Gordon Head Residents Association
•	North Henderson Residents Association
•	Community Associations’ Meeting
•	Community and Government Relations Committee