We live near a pond that is the lowest of a series of ponds originating in Mystic Vale at the University of Victoria. It is very much a wildlife area, with nesting herons, a pair of orioles and, of course, ducks.
The highlight of our year is the arrival of ducklings, which follow their mothers from pond to pond, across people’s yards, to everyone’s delight. We, our children and grandchildren have always looked forward to the ducklings’ arrival.
This year, a man with three cats has bought property on the pond, and his cats have been roaming everywhere, especially in our yard.
The effect on the ducks has been devastating. Most of the ducklings have not survived, and the rest are very wary. This has greatly affected our enjoyment of our property.
We have spoken to the cat owner, but to no avail.
In these days of everyone’s rights, why are our rights are secondary to the cat owner and his pets?
The environment is on everyone’s minds these days, yet we seem to be turning a blind eye to these predatory creatures that are free to destroy our already-threatened wildlife.
Halina Rocchini
Saanich
