Please urge Calabasas Park Homeowner’s Association ( CPHA)  to discontinue and BAN the “Catch and Release” Fishing program at Calabasas Lake, due to the many serious injuries to birds and wildlife, now taking place on a daily basis. 

Catch and Release Fishing at the lake is cruelty disguised as “sport.” This sport leaves behind a trail of tackle victims that include our local Canadian geese, ducks , turtles, and our dogs , who suffer debilitating injuries after they swallow fishhooks or become entangled in discarded fishing lines while walking the lake.  Wildlife rehabilitators say that discarded fishing tackle is one of the greatest threats to the wildlife at Calabasas Lake. 

In addition, studies show that fish who are caught and then returned to the water suffer and often die of shock. Fish often swallow hooks, and anglers may try to retrieve a hook by shoving their fingers or pliers down the fish’s throat, ripping out not just the hook but some of the fish’s throat and guts as well.

Fiscal Impact:  CPHA reports only 20-25 fishing permits annually issued at $35 per permit, generating less than $700 a year total. Is $700 really worth all the injuries to our animals and wildlife? 

Please sign and support our local wildlife. Calabasas is counting on you!  Thank you!

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