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March 26 2015, 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Central Arena 519 Drury Lane Burlington, Ontario. 2
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Question & Comment Process We are here to: Listen to each other Share information Hear the concerns Everyone will have a chance to speak once. We will begin with questions first. Comments are welcome after all questions are heard. Time permitting, we will take second-time speakers. 4
Please note: City staff have not made any decisions. There is much more information to be received and analysis to undertake. We DON T need to agree We DO need to be respectful 5
1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Purpose of Open House 3. Feeding wildlife background 4. Options for regulating 5. Discussion and Q and A 6. Adjournment 6
Tracey Burrows Manager of By-law Enforcement, Licensing and Animal Services Dave Lake Supervisor of Animal Control Matt Koevoets Supervisor of Road and Parks Maintenance Sean Kenney Open House Facilitator Sharon Will Communications Advisor Peggy Prichard Open House Administrator 7
DIRECTION TO UNDERTAKE A BEST PRACTICE REVIEW AND REPORT BACK REGARDING FEASIBILITY OF PROHIBITING THE FEEDING OF WILDLIFE Direct the Director of Planning and Building to undertake a best practices Review of surrounding municipalities to determine if it is appropriate and Feasible to amend the city s Property Standards Bylaw or adopt a new bylaw to prohibit the feeding and subsequent habitation of wildlife, and report back to the Development and Infrastructure Committee in the second quarter of 2015. (SD 27-14) www.burlington.ca/agendasandminutes 8
Geese, Coyotes, Foxes, Pigeons Squirrels, Raccoons Deer Rabbits 9
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Feeding of wild animals in rural areas is a common practice. However, in urban areas with smaller lots, the activity can quickly become a problem that cities wish to regulate. Food left out for animals such as stray (or feral) cats, dogs, ground feeding birds, rodents and deer also may attract the following: 18
Rats and mice Raccoons Skunks Moles and Voles Predatory birds Coyotes Opossum Snakes 19
Attracting wild animals to a neighbourhood can create some obvious problems, such as property damage (for example raccoons tearing apart roofing materials etc.), increased risk of attack (even geese may become aggressive during breeding season) and disease (for example rabies and the roundworm parasites carried by raccoons and the roundworm is also transmitted through feces). 20
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The gradual expansion of human populations and infrastructure into wilderness areas inevitably creates opportunities for wildlife habituation.. Finding the right middle ground where wildlife exhibit enough tolerance to persist without compromising human, wildlife, or ecosystem health is a challenge for manager 23
Prevention is the first step : Do not put meat, fish or sweet food (including fruit) in your outside composter. Put garbage and compost containers out only on the morning of garbage day, not the night before. If you do not have curbside pickup, take your garbage to the dump often. Frequently wash garbage cans and recycling containers and lids with a strong smelling disinfectant. 24
Remove grease and food residue from barbecue grills, including the grease cup underneath, after each use. Report overflowing garbage Clean up after your dog. Many animals are attracted to dog feces Report any coyote sightings to SeeClick Fix or 905-3353030 25
Other problems with feeding wild animals that we may not think about include; Feeding can alter normal patterns of movement and congregation among animals. The more food, the denser the congregation of animals looking to eat becomes. This can spread disease among the animals and cause reproduction rates to skyrocket. Becoming too used to humans may make animals more susceptible to harm. 26
While usually associated with agricultural lands, woodlots or brushy areas, the Eastern Coyote can live in urban centres and developed areas. Coyotes do not hibernate and urban residents may catch glimpses of them, especially in the winter Most coyotes pose little threat to humans. The problems generally start when people feed coyotes, even if that feeding is unintentional Since coyotes can be curious about human activity, it is important to keep them wary of people. To help keep coyotes away from your home, 27
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Avoid landscaping with trees, shrubs or plants that produce food known to attract bears (such as crab apple trees, mountain ash, beech and oak). Use rodent-proof composters, and put garbage in containers that have tight-fitting lids (bear-resistant). 29
If a coyote approaches you: Stop. Pick up small children and pets, shout "GO AWAY" and wave your arms high in the air. Use hazing techniques, such as popping open an umbrella, throwing an object near the coyote or shaking your keys. Back away slowly. Never run or turn your back on a coyote. Report the coyote sighting online or call 905-335-3030. 30
A coyote may eat the food that's left outside for a pet, Gehrt said. It's not uncommon to see a coyote pass through an urban or suburban neighborhood. But most coyotes aren't thrilled about being seen by people, he continued. Urban coyotes are more active at night than their rural counterparts, so humans don't see a lot of their activity. In many cases, coyotes are probably doing us favors that we don't realize they eat a lot of rodents and other animals that people don't want around. 31
Halton Public Health reports that with one exception in 2012 there has never been a reported incident of a coyote biting or scractching a person. The one reported incident resulted in a minor injury. However, every year there are over500 incidents involving cats anddogs, many with serious consequences. Zebra, monkey and llama incidents have also been reported. Coyotes play a crucial role in controlling the population of rodents as they are 80% of their diet, making them nature s natural rodent control. Coyotes are only fertile for about 2-4 weeks in mid-winter (both male and female). 32
Burlington s Animal Shelter provide brochures on Learning to Live in Harmony with Urban Wildlife offering information to the public on what to do if you have a wildlife problem including; Contacting a professional Pest Control Company; Animal proofing homes; Animal proof garbage storage; Keep trees and bushes at least 15 feet away from roof edges; and Refrain from feeding wildlife. 33
Options to be considered Staff have considered the research and the best practices of the surrounding municipalities and propose the following options: 34
Continue To Educate Rather Than Regulate. 35
Amend the current Animal Control by-law to include a prohibition of feeding wildlife on private and public property. Enforcement officers will take an educational approach with offenders, handing out an informational ticket that describes the provisions of the by-law and the reasons for it. When complaints are phoned into the City, letters will be sent to residents identified by the complainant, informing them about the complaint and the bylaw. 36
It is critical that we provide public and private educational programs to inform our citizens about the choices before us. By learning how to share the environment with them and reducing conflict by eliminating sources of food and shelter on our properties, we can safely co-exist with all 37
Burlington Animal Shelter 2424 Industrial Road Burlington, Ontario 905-335-3030 38
Questions and Answers 39