Little protection when dogs attack cats
Re: “When a cat was killed, nothing was done,” letter, March 29.
The cat was killed in late January on the family’s private property by a large dog whose owner was unable to control it.
The cat was not wandering “at large,” but was sitting on a porch in front of the door, and was utterly innocent and blameless. She was geriatric and weighed eight pounds.
Unlike the owner of the victim of the recent dog attack on Willows Beach, this victim’s family received no apology, no communication, and, certainly, no sense of culpability from the owner of the dog.
Sadly, Victoria Animal Control Services ignored the testimony of three witnesses and instead chose to believe the dog owner’s nonsensical claim that the cat had attacked the dog.
It is unfathomable that animal control did not advocate for the victim.
When we live in community, we must be honest, take responsibility for anything that inflicts pain or trauma on another person or animal, and do our utmost to make amends.
Oak Bay Animal Bylaw states: “No person shall allow his or her dog to bite, attack, terrorize, or endanger a person or animal.”
If this and other related bylaws are not enforced, what protection do the citizens and animals in our community actually have?
Jennifer MacLeod
Victoria
A special part of Italy, and a basic rule of life
Re: “Off the tourist track in Italy, little is lost in translation,” March 30.
Jack Knox’s review of the Friuli region of Italy was special to me. Special because my parents were born and raised there before emigrating to the Kootenay city of Trail to start a new life.
Jack nailed it when he described the people of Friuli and their culture of today. Warm and friendly, steeped in tradition. But their history was not so idyllic and helps explain why my parents left Italy years ago.
Benito Mussolini and the Fascist Party were in power between 1922 and 1943, imposing strict control over life in the region that was struggling with poverty. Not happy with a limited future, my father decided to head off to Canada.
Before leaving, though, he met a young woman, and, after a one-month courtship, Primo and Apollonia were married in 1935. They quickly departed on their long journey to Trail, where my father was happy to secure work as a labourer in the lead and zinc smelter.
Meanwhile, Italy’s economic recovery from the Second World War was gradual, but it laid the foundation for Italy’s emergence as one of the leading economies in Europe. Today, the people of Friuli, like Italians throughout Italy, are proud of their local language and culture.
As individuals, however, they often disagree over many things, such as which political party should lead the country or why Ferrari is not leading Formula 1 racing. But there is a basic rule that all Italians support as a sign of a civilized society: No cappuccino after lunch.
Jerry Mussio
Central Saanich
Is tax cutting emissions? Just count the ways
Re: “Carbon tax and its impact on emissions,” letter, April 2.
The letter said: “Try as I might, I cannot for the life of me figure out how this [carbon tax] will help to reduce carbon emissions.”
There are a great many ways carbon emissions go down when the price goes up. In no particular order:
A. Most people try to save money by driving less and/or driving more efficiently e.g. carpooling.
B. Some people will switch transportation modes in order to spend less on fuel e.g. cycle the last 3-5 kilometres after finding a free parking spot away from high density zones.
C. Some people will choose to put on a sweater when they feel cool.
D. Some people will turn off their decorative gas fireplaces and patio heaters.
E. People thinking of getting a new vehicle are more likely to choose something smaller or electric.
F. More households will make do with one less vehicle.
G. And many, many more options.
The carbon tax went up 3.3 cents per litre, which is less than two per cent.
Most drivers can reduce their fuel consumption by three per cent or more without impacting their quality of life, which means they won’t spend any more money after April 1 but they will emit less carbon pollution.
J.D. Gibbard
Saanich
Carbon tax increase is not a big deal
I’m more than perplexed at the uproar by Canadians (or is it only the politicians?) regarding the three-cent carbon tax increase per litre of gasoline.
Where is that anger when the price at the pump fluctuates by up to 20 cents at any given time without any warning whatsoever? Why are those people content to watch the rich (oil industry) profiting, yet are up in arms at accepting a small increase of a tax that’s helping to preserve our planet for our children’s children?
Is it because there is no political gain to be had?
Are these the same people who want an improvement in the services we expect from our governments yet grouse at any increases in all taxes?
I’m soon to be the owner of an EV and hopefully there will an avenue by which EV owners can pay our share of the taxes (previously paid by us at the pump) that are meant to provide the services we all need and desire.
Erika Sawyer
Port Alberni
Yes, the carbon tax helps to reduce emissions
Re: “Carbon tax and its impact on emissions,” letter, April 2.
There is an old saying that if you tax something you will get less of it. Those who get no carbon tax rebate will want to cut their emissions to save money, which is easy to understand.
At the same time, the poor will also want to cut their emissions, since they have much better things to spend their rebate on.
Only a fool would forgo reducing their carbon footprint, and save money on the carbon tax, whether they are rich or poor. That’s how the carbon tax reduces emissions.
The rebate just helps those with fewer resources to make ends meet. It’s not perfect, but doing nothing would be far worse.
S.I. Petersen
Nanaimo
Goldstream highway should go a bit higher
I can accept that expansion of the highway through Goldstream Park is necessary. I cannot accept that building over the stream is the way to do it.
Given the prohibitive cost of alternative routes and the fairy tale viability of trains, bus lanes and cable cars, the least bad solution seems to be to expand on the uphill side, at least through the section beside the stream.
Surely, if we can ship massive quantities of artillery shells to Ukraine, then couldn’t we blast a few rocks and trees out of the park?
Martin Hill
Sooke
School liaison program invaluable for students
Re: “Police Liaison officer? Ask those who know” and “Students respect officers in schools,” letters, April 2.
I am in complete agreement with the writers of these letters. As a teacher in a vocational high school in the ’80s and ’90s I can attest to the positive impact the presence of school liaison officers had on the students in this school.
Our student population had a significant percentage of students who came from very difficult backgrounds, many with a regular police presence in their homes.
It was gratifying to see students transition from being wary and intimidated by police to actively seeking out the liaison officers before and after classes and during breaks.
The officers came in and spoke to the classes at different times and were full participants in activities ranging from special events to sports activities.
They made themselves available throughout the school day and were very approachable. During the years I was there, nothing but accolades toward the school liaison officer program was in evidence.
I cannot understand why the school board chose to eliminate this program. Absolutely unbelievable. It should be reinstated immediately.
Yvonne Andre
Campbell River
Make Beacon Hill Park accessible to all
I’m ashamed about how Beacon Hill Park restricts enjoyment by the elderly and those with mobility issues.
I was born here in Victoria. Recently, I had out-of-town friends/guests from the United States visit.
There is only a one-way entrance into Beacon Hill Park that allows access to the park and one exit for those to drive through with mobility issues. Why aren’t we considering the elderly and those with mobility issues?
Why are we only considering those using bikes, e-bikes and scooters with bike lanes.
There are many people who would love to enjoy the park by vehicle, as they are unable to walk or get around.
What gives the mayor and council the right to take away the enjoyment of a complete drive around the park for those less able to enjoy the flowers and trees. Are we an inclusive society?
Ron Bahrey
Victoria
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