Officials want to make it illegal to feed ducks at Costa Mesa pond
The Costa Mesa City Council wants to make it illegal to feed ducks, fish and other wildlife in or around the lake at TeWinkle Park. Officials say all the feeding is polluting and damaging the park, requiring thousands of dollars in cleanup and repair costs.
The ordinance is scheduled to come back to the City Council on Tuesday for a second and final vote before adoption. Officials said crumbs of bread and other leftovers are considered unhealthy for fowl and can domesticate otherwise wild birds, making them reliant on humans for food.
Councilwoman Katrina Foley plans to encourage her colleagues to stop short of an outright ban on feeding the ducks and wants to find a creative way to maintain the park and keep it clean. "I'm against creating a law that makes little kids out with their parents feeding the ducks … disorderly conduct," Foley said.
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-- Mona Shadia, Times Community News
Photo: Samson Earn, 20 months, feeds ducks at TeWinkle Memorial Park on Friday. (Kent Treptow / Times Community News / Dec. 4, 2010)
EDITOR'S PICKS:
I'm confused???
This article states that "The Costa Mesa City Council" wants to make it illegal to feed the ducks. Later it states that "Councilwoman Katrina Foley" against all out ban. Is Katrina Foley a Costa Mesa City Councilwoman? Then why does story seem to contradict itself? Is Mona Shadia to timid to tell us which council introduced this ordinance and which ones are wanting it?
Perhaps council should think first of ideas and options. Perhaps signs would suffice, or perhaps fowl food for sale as at city and amusement parks. It is nice to see a city council taking action, but do not be afraid to get voter ideas and support first. Not just personal gain.
Posted by: highwelder | December 05, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Isn't this already illegal per the Fish & Game Code?
Posted by: OnDaNose | December 05, 2010 at 12:20 PM
No better way to earn those pensions, huh?
Posted by: Hypatia | December 05, 2010 at 01:57 PM