Call for fox-feeding ban renewed

The City of Charlottetown needs to introduce a bylaw banning the feeding of foxes, says the Association for the Protection of Fur-bearing Animals.

The city said last month it would not introduce a bylaw, because it would be impossible to enforce.

"It's a real defeatist attitude and I think that's really unfortunate," said Lesley Fox, executive director of the Association for the Protection of Fur-bearing Animals.

"It comes with consequences for both people and animals. I understand that bylaws are often difficult to enforce certainly, but I think it's also about sending a message. I think council needs to send a no tolerance message and get tough."

The national group launched its lobby of the city after reading reports about council's decision. Fox said other municipalities in Canada have implemented successful bans. Currently, the only places on the Island where feeding foxes is illegal are P.E.I. National Park and provincial parks.

Officials with the city of Charlottetown say they are working with provincial communication specialists, conservation officers, and fish and wildlife professionals and researchers at UPEI on a communications strategy and education campaign. An announcement on that strategy is expected next month.

Lesley Fox believes education without possible consequences won't deter people from feeding the foxes.

Provincial wildlife officials, however, are "confident the majority of people who are inadvertently or deliberately feeding foxes will stop on their own when they have a more detailed understanding of the situation."

For mobile device users: Should Charlottetown introduce a bylaw banning the feeding of foxes?