Activists, locals commend Vancouver Park Board move to fine people feeding animals

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Animal-rights groups are applauding the Vancouver Park Board’s move to draft a bylaw to penalize people feeding wildlife– like coyotes.

Monday’s unanimous vote came after at least 45 people were recently hurt by coyotes in Stanley Park. The BC Conservation Officers Service has said as a result of “unlawful human behaviour,” 11 coyotes were put down. The park was closed overnight for several weeks.

Vancouver Humane Society is grateful the bylaw covers all wildlife, adding humans feeding animals impacts the ecosystem. Amy Morris, the executive director of the society explains that leftover bird feed can attract rodents. Then, someone might use rat poison to kill them, which also kills the owls that prey on rodents.

So while people may think feeding wild animals is helpful, Morris says they are doing more harm than they realize.

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“That compassion that they feel is actually killing the animals. For example, this year, there was a huge salmonella outbreak among birds that lead to them dying. And primarily the transmissions were bird feeders. So even if it’s contained, even if you’re only trying to feed birds you might be killing them as well.”

Park board staff have recommended a fine of $500, however, the exact amount will be decided by the board at its next meeting.

Dan Lahey lives beside Lost Lagoon and says he doesn’t think the fines will work.

“They can have a million signs in here and fine people a million dollars, and you’d still have people feeding the animals because they think they’re being nice to the animals. I don’t see them changing their opinion,” Lahey said.

However, Morris argues that if people are aware of the consequences and are receiving education, there will be a positive outcome.

Emma Cabana also supports the fine.

“A lot of people are just used to giving some seeds some bread, but realistically that’s just for our enjoyment and it doesn’t help them in the long run. It’s just maybe time to reframe our thinking a bit and think more from an animal-first perspective.”

How much the fines will be, and details about how it will be enforced are expected next week.

Park-goers can already be fined for feeding dangerous animals like coyotes or bears under the Provincial Wildlife Act.