As a citizen deeply concerned about the welfare of all creatures, I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the City’s potential decision to employ Rocon, a harmful and lethal anticoagulant pesticide, and also drowning foam, for ground squirrel management. This regressive step would take us back a decade, reviving the heart-wrenching practices that our collective empathy and intellect halted.

According to the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS), the best approach involves non-lethal methods for managing species classified as "pests". By employing such methods, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to animal care and the ethical stewardship of our shared environment. Unfortunately, under Manitoba's existing Animal Care Act, the usage of these harmful poisons remains legal, a loophole in our laws that categorically disregards the inherent capability of these animals to suffer, just as our treasured pets do.

The WHS proclaims, and I strongly concur, that we ought to mobilize toward humane, progressive, and scientifically sound solutions—such as fertility control—for pest management to replace these outdated and cruel methods. As we stand on the cusp of 2025, it is high time for the City to embrace solutions that reflect the ethics and morality of the twenty-first century.

Join me in this fight for justice and compassion toward all beings. Your valuable support will echo the collective demand to the City to reject the use of rodenticide and adopt non-lethal, ethical pest management strategies. Sign the petition now to help make the difference.