Letter
Published: Monday, January 16, 2006

I was saddened to hear about the latest mute-swan killing in Stanley Park's Lost Lagoon.

Apparently the swan was attacked by a dog on Jan. 2 and died of her wounds in the water on Jan. 5. A large piece of her back was taken off by the dog, with injuries to her spleen and liver.

This kind of disregard for the birds has to stop.

As a dog owner, I keep my pet away from paths the birds are known to frequent to cut down on their stress and fear.

The nesting season is coming up, and there are not enough city staff to go around to protect them.

Perhaps the city should put up warnings of animal killings by off-leash dogs -- similar to the rabies warnings -- all around the lagoon and other park areas where the birds can be found.

There could also be postings of animal abuse in the park.

Is there not enough funding or willpower to put in the proper signage with an emergency number for people to call in the case of animal injuries or animal attack?

If the public knew about these attacks, then it would help to educate them and create awareness and sympathy for these animals.

Keith Edwards,

Vancouver
© The Vancouver Province 2006