spectr17
03-19-2002, 08:18 PM
Gilbert council ready to ban duck feeding on lakes.
Edythe Jensen, The Arizona Republic
March 19, 2002
"Put down the bread - step away from the ducks" could be the new police command in Gilbert.
The Town Council tonight is poised to ban feeding ducks in public parks, and violators could be fined up to $300.
This isn't a move to make lawbreakers out of children, said Parks Superintendent Kenny Martin. It's an effort to keep fish and fowl healthy. The council is also considering a ban on dogs swimming in the park lakes, another health hazard for wildlife, Martin said. Feeding ducks would be a civil violation, but repeat offenders could be charged with a criminal misdemeanor.
"Feeding wildlife in general is not a good thing, but yeast products play havoc with their digestive tracts and weaken their immune systems," Martin said.
Mesa and Youngtown ban duck feeding in city parks. Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler and Scottsdale don't regulate it.
Mesa's ban is designed to encourage the birds to return home for summer, spokeswoman Debbi Kuzik said.
Joe Yarkin of the Arizona Game and Fish Department said migratory birds fed in parks often stop migrating, and malnutrition plagues fowl fed on white bread.
With Easter approaching, Yarkin advises not giving baby ducks as gifts. Many wind up being dumped on urban lakes.
In Gilbert's water ranch southeast of Guadalupe and Greenfield roads, a coyote has taken up residence and has been feasting on domestic ducks and rabbits dumped at the site, Martin said.
Edythe Jensen, The Arizona Republic
March 19, 2002
"Put down the bread - step away from the ducks" could be the new police command in Gilbert.
The Town Council tonight is poised to ban feeding ducks in public parks, and violators could be fined up to $300.
This isn't a move to make lawbreakers out of children, said Parks Superintendent Kenny Martin. It's an effort to keep fish and fowl healthy. The council is also considering a ban on dogs swimming in the park lakes, another health hazard for wildlife, Martin said. Feeding ducks would be a civil violation, but repeat offenders could be charged with a criminal misdemeanor.
"Feeding wildlife in general is not a good thing, but yeast products play havoc with their digestive tracts and weaken their immune systems," Martin said.
Mesa and Youngtown ban duck feeding in city parks. Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler and Scottsdale don't regulate it.
Mesa's ban is designed to encourage the birds to return home for summer, spokeswoman Debbi Kuzik said.
Joe Yarkin of the Arizona Game and Fish Department said migratory birds fed in parks often stop migrating, and malnutrition plagues fowl fed on white bread.
With Easter approaching, Yarkin advises not giving baby ducks as gifts. Many wind up being dumped on urban lakes.
In Gilbert's water ranch southeast of Guadalupe and Greenfield roads, a coyote has taken up residence and has been feasting on domestic ducks and rabbits dumped at the site, Martin said.