Dear Editor,
Re: “Kindness causes carnage,” Letters, Nov. 11.
I just read the letter “Kindness causes carnage” in today’s News and simply had to respond, as this is something I have witnessed on many occasions — the unnecessary feeding of our already overfed pigeons.
I hate to break it to all you soft-hearted pigeon feeders out there, but in case you weren’t aware, it’s against the law to feed pigeons, or any other wildlife for that matter.
There are at least TWO signs stating that, right by the parking area at the foot of Gilbert Road and the south dyke. But no one ever seems to read them, or if they do, they obviously choose to ignore them.
You can be liable for a substantial fine under city bylaws. Unfortunately for the poor hapless birds, this is seldom if ever enforced, evidenced by the fact they continue to proliferate unabated, only to be inadvertently run over on occasion by the very “hand that feeds them.”
Sad as this recent incident may be, the last thing these feathered friends need is for us to feed them — they manage admirably all on their own, and feeding them not only results in overpopulation, but “carnage” such as this, not to mention encouragement of all sorts of other vermin.
Once again, wild animals do not need our help, and giving in to them is an act of misguided kindness can actually shorten their already brief little lives.
Please read and obey the signs — they are there for a reason!
Carlie Holland
RICHMOND
