Ferrets set to attack rabbits problem

FERRETS will be used to remove the troublesome rabbits that have plagued a playing field in Buntingford. The decision was made by town councillors at a meeting of the amenities committee. Rabbits have been digging up the football pitch at Norfolk Road Pla

FERRETS will be used to remove the troublesome rabbits that have plagued a playing field in Buntingford.

The decision was made by town councillors at a meeting of the amenities committee.

Rabbits have been digging up the football pitch at Norfolk Road Playing Fields, Edwinstree School and Freman College for several months. However, the bunnies will be exterminated over the next four months at a cost of £500.

Introl, a pest control company from Buntingford, will be making 10 visits to the fields to remove the rabbits.

Deputy town clerk Eddie Plume said: "Ferreting is the safest and most humanely method which has been recommended by the experts.

"We have spoken about other methods such as using coyote urine, but in an area like this it wouldn't be considered because it would just get washed away if there was a heavy shower.

"Using ferrets is not a guaranteed solution, but it should reduce the population by 90 per cent at worse."

Other methods which were suggested included gassing, shooting, and using lion dung.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Ferreting is a legal method and as long as suffering isn't caused then that's fine.

With any of the other alternatives if it's used by a competent person who knows what they are doing it's got no more risks attached to it than any other method."

At the meeting, animal-lover, Councillor Teresea Bonner said: "I understand it's got to be done but I can't vote for it.