Model boats killing ducks?

Press, 24 May 1985, Page 1

Model boats killing ducks?

Ducks on Victoria Lake in North Hagley Park are believed to have been killed by high-speed, remote-con-trolled miniature boats. Two onlookers have told “The Press” that some people were deliberately making their small boats hit ducks on the lake, leading to their injury or death. One onlooker would like to see high-speed boats banned from the lake to prevent this happening again. A wildlife ranger said that about three birds are destroyed daily on the city’s waterways from attacks by dogs or people. A Christchurch City councillor, Cr Anne Evans, is researching wildlife mortalities and plans to present her results to the council in about two months.

She said she would possibly include in her research the' reported incidents of duck deaths on Victoria Lake.

“It shocks me to think that people are callous enough to do this to our wildlife,” she said. “If a child is brought up to respect and care for animals and birds they grow into respectful, caring adults.

“Young people are getting a cheap kick out of killing the trusting bird life on our waterways. I don’t think it is possible to police this but I think an education programme is necessary and I am working on the most suitable way to do this.”