Hundreds of residents in Kelowna, B.C. rallied on Saturday against a local company's mandate to reduce the rabbit population overwhelming the city.

City council awarded a contract worth more than $50,000 to EBB Environmental Consulting earlier this month to control the booming rabbit population.

The feral rabbits have become more like pests to many local residents after the animals are being found eating flowers and shrubs, leaving behind droppings and sleeping under vehicles.

"They sleep in the shade underneath the tires and stuff and we can't be checking under the tires all the time," said Les Pidwerbesky, a local resident and employee with Okanagan Trucking. "In the two years I've been here, (I've driven over) probably 20."

An estimated 2,000 people have signed a petition asking council to retract its decision.

Protesters rallying on Saturday say they want to find a kindler, gentler way to deal with the fast-breeding animals.

"They're very wonderful creatures, they're not vermin," said protester Tina Kapchinsky. "I think there's a much more humane way we could deal with the situation."

A spokesperson for EBB Environmental Consulting said it is 'unfair' that local residents have suggested it intends to cull the rabbits, but protesters say the company's contract contains no allowance for the cost of neutering the animals.

The veterinary fee to sterilize one rabbit can be $30 to $40.

The Responsible Animal Care Society says it has made every effort to corral, trap and neuter the animals.

They have trapped about 200 and placed them in foster homes, and another 25 have been placed in a sanctuary on the outskirts of the city.

Sinikka Crosland, president of the Responsible Animal Care Society, said she is not at all surprised at the response from the public to city council's decision.

"I've been getting lots of emails, my phone is ringing off the hook from people very displeased," she said.

"Whatever works for the bunnies," said one protester who was dressed up in a costume and only gave his name as Lee. "I agree there's a lot of bunnies around, but I don't think killing them is the right way to go."

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Kent Molgat