Should the rabbits be removed from the Orange High School Campus?
This petition is an open community discussion on the overpopulation of domesticated rabbits that has taken place on the school's campus and has now spread to the surrounding neighborhoods.
For or against, please share your thoughts and sign this petition. Your important comments and signatures will be delivered to the City of Orange and Orange Unified School District officials.
Background
Some Home Owners, Sports Organizations, Public Use Citizens, Students, Faculty and Administration of the Orange High School area have noticed that the rabbit population at the campus has been growing out of control annually. The rabbits have now established themselves underneath most of the portable buildings on campus and have now been observed in larger numbers in several neighborhood yards. The rabbits have also been seen crossing the major cross streets into the Chapman University dorm areas.
Rough counts observed above ground and in the athletic fields have exceeded 300 rabbits. This does not account for what is underground and under buildings.
Rabbits can bite, have diseases and carry insects. There is a growing concern that this overpopulation may result in more predators, such as hawks and coyotes, being attracted to the area. The rabbits are causing property damage to plants, lawns, gardens, trees, athletic fields and althletic equipment. Their digging creates dangerous potholes in athletic fields. Their pellets (feces) can break down into the playing soil. The students and athletes are at risk of coming in contact with contaminated soil and grass.
For more information about overpopulation and general rabbit facts:
http://www.unitedwildlife.com/AnimalsRabbit.html
(link above provided for information only, no endorsement of products)
Thank you for your time and caring...
We the undersigned for, believe that it is in the best interest of our community and the students, athletic teams, faculty and staff of Orange High School that some positive and immediate action be taken to remove the domesticated rabbits from the Orange High School campus.
The Orange High School Community and the neighboring home owners are incurring damage from the rabbit overpopulation on a daily basis. It has become a health and safety issue at Orange High School. The administration, teachers and staff should not have to expend precious resources on this problem. Instead they should be free to focus on our student's education.
We are asking you to please take the time to review the undersigned comments, for or against, and to develop and integrate a plan of support for Orange High School and the neighboring home owners as it relates to the overpopulation of rabbits.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration...