June 12, 2000
Mr. Peter G. Frederick
Executive Director
Norfolk Botanical Gardens
6700 Azalea Garden Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23518
Dear Mr. Frederick:
On behalf of the more than 2,000 PETA members in the Hampton Roads area who love the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, as well as the fish, birds, and other aquatic animals who make the gardens their home, we respectfully request that you consider prohibiting fishing in the strip of water surrounding the entrance to the gardens.
The process of fishing and its consequences do not seem compatible with the peace and tranquility of botanical gardens. As you know, fish have a neurochemical system like ours and, thus, the brain capacity to experience fear and pain. They suffer from being thrown, stepped on, impaled, or mutilated while alive and allowed to die slowly and painfully of suffocation. Fish released after being hooked can suffer potentially fatal internal injuries and the loss of their protective outer coating, leaving them susceptible to parasites and disease.
Fishing also hurts other animals. Countless birds and other animals suffer, and many die, from injuries caused by discarded fishing hooks, monofilament line, lead weights, and floats. Animals who become entangled in fishing line may become trapped underwater and drown, or, unable to feed, die slowly of starvation.
According to Waverly Traylor, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in Virginia Beach, "By far the greatest threat to the health and safety of waterfowl is not the hunter nor the polluted water, but actually the fishing tackle carelessly discarded by ... fishermen and so-called sportsmen." Knowing that so many animals suffer and die as a result of fishing, we would be doing a great disservice to the many animals who live in and around the gardens to continue to allow it.
A fishing ban at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens would turn the gardens into a true haven for all. Please feel free to call me at xxx-xxxx if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address
