Lawyer 'very surprised' no one has sued over coyote attacks in Stanley Park
An animal activist and attorney is urging the Vancouver Park Board and the City of Vancouver to change their strategy in dealing with the never-ending series of attacks by coyotes in Stanley Park.
“I’m sitting here today very surprised no one has actually sued,” said lawyer Rebeka Breder.
She argued killing coyotes isn’t the solution, given that six animals have already been destroyed in the area, and yet there continues to be attacks. A senior is the latest victim, bitten Tuesday night near Second Beach. Less than 24 hours earlier, two friends were mauled.
“The City of Vancouver and the park board specifically are opening themselves up to liability, and a claim in negligence by using a Band-Aid solution,” Breder said.
The executive director of animal rights group The Fur-Bearers admitted to CTV News there have been so many encounters with coyotes, she’s lost track.
“Why hasn’t this park been closed?” Lesley Fox asked with disbelief.
She has long urged the park board to put up more signs to warn the public and tourists about the dangers. Recently, the mother of a five-year-old boy who was attacked on Aug. 10 said she was alarmed by the lack of signage.
“If I were a parks commissioner, I would be extremely concerned about the potential for legal recourse,” said Fox, who has also been pushing for more animal-proof garbage cans, and fines for those who disobey park rules.
Any potential suit would need to prove there was a duty of care, and a breach of a standard of care that caused the damage.
“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind, that the Vancouver Park Board owes a duty of care to the users of the park to ensure that the park is safe,” said Breder.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.