Editor’s note: The Chief contacted the District of Squamish to see which bylaw was being broken. Their response was that this instance is against the Wildlife Attractant Bylaw, which says that residents can’t throw food outside that can attract wildlife (meaning bears, cougars, wolves or coyotes).
The other day I was feeding birdseeds to some doves near my house when a bylaw officer warned me that I could be fined $200 for doing so. Just out of curiosity, this layman would like to seek an explanation from the bylaw about the negative impacts of doing so.
I also wonder why they sell birdseed in many stores in Squamish if it is illegal to feed the birds.
In many cultures, feeding birds is looked upon as an act of compassion, gratefulness, and love. Do we not respect a diversity of culture in Squamish?
Am I completely wrong and the officer has a point, or does bylaw have nothing better to do?
