FARMERS will be able to shoot rabbits at night, if new regulations are approved in Tynwald this week.

The change in regulations is being requested in order to deal with apparently “excessive” amounts of wild rabbits on the Island, particularly in the north.

Wild rabbits are officially described as “pests” which can cause significant damage to crops. They also breed very quickly - one doe can product more than 20 offspring in a year and a rabbit is capable of breeding from the age of only 4 months.

Opponents say that shooting rabbits at night could alarm members of the public and a public consultation by the industry has identified safety as the paramount concern. Animal lovers are also against the proposals.

However, shooting the rabbits is considered to be much more humane than the devastating disease myxomatosis which causes painful skin tumors and blindness, ultimately leading to the animal’s slow starvation, infections and fever or capture by a predator. Death from myxomatosis can take up to 14 days.

It is also believed that predators which capture rabbits with myxomatosis can be infected with the disease. Research shows that populations of birds of prey such as buzzards can be severely decimated in areas where myxomatosis is prevalent.

Rabbits affected by myxomatosis are still occasionally seen in the Isle of Man. However, it has been illegal to deliberately spread the disease since 1952. Severe penalties can be imposed on anyone who deliberately introduces the virus.

Myxomatosis is not a worry for the owners of pet rabbits, unless they are able to have contact with wild rabbits or hares. A vaccine also exists, but is not easy to acquire. It is said to be able to save a pet rabbit's life.

Night shooters must hold a firearms certificate, approved by the police, and the police must be informed at least one hour before night shooting commences. Shooters are also required to have experience of the land in daylight and must also have permission to shoot on the land.

The proposed regulations also say that shooting groups must be limited to a maximum of four people, with only one of the group actively shooting at any one time.

DEFA Minister John Shimmin says he is mindful that shooting at night can be a contentious issue. “These new regulations are intended for the genuine control of pests and not to enable recreational hunting at night.”

He also hinted that the legislation could be withdrawn if the shooting community does not abide strictly by the rules.

“If this legislation is to be maintained, farmers and the shooting community alike need to ensure they behave legally, responsibly and respectfully.”