A wildlife sanctuary is described as a reserved area in which birds and other animals, especially wild animals, are protected from hunting or other disturbances.
Dogs and wildlife don’t mix and I guarantee if dogs are permitted in this area, that wildlife numbers including birds will decline. I have lived in Salmon Arm for more than 20 years, and have witnessed dogs harassing birds at the wharf area, as well as on the foreshore. If dogs are permitted (with leashes), inevitably there will be more dogs without leashes, free to harass birds and other wildlife on the foreshore. I know this will not work, but the proof will come too late to save the wildlife that will be lost in the area.
Also, I don’t look forward to walking on the foreshore trail, ankle deep in dog poo which will inevitably accumulate over the winter months to be revealed in its smelly and sticky glory in the spring –Ugh!
I hope our city councillors are smart enough to recognize these threats to our beautiful foreshore and its wildlife, when they vote on this troublesome issue on Dec. 14.
I love dogs, but not in this sensitive wildlife sanctuary – please.
Clive Bryson