To the editor:
Re: "Sanctuary pond a bird-brained idea," June 14.
I'm cringing reading about this idea. I have several bird loving friends in New York City where they allow fishing in their ponds in places like Central Park and Prospect Park, and it is a nightmare for birds and anyone who cares about them.
Birds are constantly being caught in discarded fishing line and even getting hooked with fishing hooks. I can't believe they would come up with such a dumb idea for Vancouver. Will these fishermen also pay to have birds rescued and treated from their fishing line/hook injuries?
There are endless articles about fishing and birds in New York City, including a Times article that reported: "The issue has become so bad that the Prospect Park Alliance has stepped in to post new signs around the lakes to highlight the rules. In addition, they have reached out to fishing clubs, and will start an educational campaign in multiple languages this spring."
The fact is fishermen and their children are not going to care about birds. It's bad enough with unleashed dogs and kites being left in the pond in the park I go to in Vancouver. And now fishing? I'm stunned someone in Vancouver thinks this is a good idea.
Marion Ambler, Vancouver
