After much debate about songbirds, surveys and scavengers, it appears Bracebridge councillors have an animal feeding bylaw they can live with.
During this week’s general committee meeting, councillors voted unanimously to approve a wildlife feeding by-law.
When the motion was originally introduced to councillors in June, the Town’s by-law department said they were worried about increased human-wildlife conflict, a possible rise in the population of unwanted animals and wildlife, and detrimental effects on the welfare and health of wildlife.
At the time, the committee bounced the matter back to staff so they could solicit public feedback.
Staff said as part of a survey, residents were asked if they were supportive of banning the intentional feeding of wildlife on all public and private properties, with 38% of respondents indicating that they were supportive and 16% indicating they were somewhat supportive. Some 46% percent said they do not support banning the intentional feeding of most wildlife on all public and private property.
The majority of those who feed wildlife indicate they primarily feed songbirds, followed by squirrels and deer.
Staff also noted that during the past five months bylaw has continued to receive an increase in calls related to the feeding of wildlife, specifically 15 calls for service and requests for information in relation to sightings and aggressive animal interactions within the Town.
There was still some debate as to what constitutes “nuisance” feeding.
Coun. Barb McMurray said any feeding should not increase the coyote or wolf population.
“Safety for humans is the priority here and that’s what we should be looking at first and foremost,” she said.
There was some concern about when feeding birds becomes nuisance feeding.
Michael Mayer, the Chief By-law Enforcement Officer, said the bylaw does not target any specific animal but will be done on a case-by-case basis.
“We respond and examine through various factors,” said Mayer. “It could be the accumulation of food on the ground or the risk to public safety.”
The set fine for contravention of the bylaw is $200 but Mayer said they will focus on education and not fines for the time being.
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Do not eat that sandwich on the back patio. Do not have a kid party. Do not open your door and enjoy the outdoors, do not, do not do not…why I moved to Alberta.
I will put out my bird feeder any time I like.
I would fight this idiotic “by law” all the way !!!
Useless incompetent people. Who votes for these country bumkins
If the humans would stop taking the animals habitat away from them they would not have to rely on the good humans feeding them. Have you ever fed a chipmunk or heard wolves, coyotes,foxes or had a hummingbird,or the variety of different birds that are new it is amazing to watch.
I believe time would be better spent on real community issues. Homelessness, hunger, very limited mental health and basic health support have greater priority over feeding birds. Let’s get with the program and start fixing the broken social system.
Where are the details on what the bylaw contains?
Another of the never ending bylaws to tell you what you can do on your OWN PROPERTY! Object people or they will just continue.
Big Brother is alive and well. I never thought I would see the day when putting out suet in winter or a hummingbird feeder in summer would be illegal.
I wish these councilors would focus on cutting taxes which means cutting useless laws not adding new ones. .