Editor:
I believe animals are awesome – including dogs – and that humans should be guardians of domestic and wild animals while managing how their lives intersect.
One can’t control whether a racoon wanders into the back garden of their home, but we can control where we allow dogs and train them.
We need to care for the planet, and mend our ways to protect the environment and wildlife.
Boundary Bay Wildlife Management Area includes White Rock beach and is an important rest stop and feeding ground for migrating birds.
We finally realized the damage done to the planet by animal agriculture, especially cattle.
As we learn how our pets impact the environment, we must adjust our thinking about how to be a “good citizen pet owner.”
The Independent reported that, “Pets have the same environmental impact as 13.6 million cars.”
Better dog food from human-consumption meat is growing carbon-dioxide emmissions from production beyond the current amount of 64 million tons a year, and is contributing to global warming.
Responsible pet ownership entails more than feeding and walking Rover.
Society and governance needs to adopt and implement new pet ownership policies and start putting the environment and wildlife first.
I implore the councillors to step back and apply a reasonable amount of skeptical scrutiny on this matter – they have the facts.
In doing so, they can only arrive at the same conclusion – that dogs in the beach area is a bad idea for all parties.
I also encourage responsible dog owners to think outside the box and put nature, the environment, safety and the collective well-being of their community first and foremost.
Do the right thing and vote no.
Will leashed cats be permitted? Out of fairness they should, but instinct will be the result.
Adrian Brown, South Surrey