An ecological group that promotes animal rights suggests the city should begin phasing out the petting farm in Queen's Park.
Peter Hamilton, founding director of Lifeforce, wrote to the city recently stating the Queen's Park master plan is a wonderful opportunity to preserve natural habitats and educate the community about the wonders of wildlife livingly freely.
Instead of operating the petting farm, Lifeforce proposes that New Westminster develop an ecology centre with nature walks, nature video cams and nature and history walk brochures.
"The petting-zoo industry perpetuates a cycle of animal abuse that often ends in horrific slaughter," he wrote. "This is unknown to most people."
According to Hamilton, petting zoos also expose people to health hazards, as the animals can harbour a variety of diseases.
Council referred the correspondence to the park master plan subcommittee for consideration and response.
