My letter to City of Vancouver council regarding Motion B6 – Don't Feed the Wildlife.
Hello,
I do not support Motion B6 – Don't Feed the Wildlife, submitted by Pete Fry.
The proposed ban is overly broad, and unnecessary. There is already a Park Board bylaw on banning feeding wildlife in our parks, which is the advertised target of this motion.
The City and Park Board should enforce existing bylaws, instead of adding new ones. And, when necessary, work with the province on enforcing laws against feeding dangerous animals.
Pete Fry stated that the proposed bylaw is also meant to target people who attract vermin to their properties. Does the City not have bylaws in place already that cover this? I believe they do.
Many residents in Vancouver feed the various birds in their area using methods banned with this proposed bylaw (i.e. putting out nuts while under observation in a container during the day: to prevent vermin), and use it as a way to improve their mental wellbeing, especially during COVID-19. This will unfairly target seniors and people with restricted social circles.
Please consider voting against this motion.
Thank you.