There has recently been a considerable amount of buzz in Westmount over the story of local resident Bruce Kert, who called the Examiner last week to discuss his run-in with Westmount Public Security over feeding a squirrel two years ago.

As it turns out, the seemingly innocent act of tossing two peanuts to a squirrel in Westmount Park has escalated into somewhat of a cause celebre, backed by what now amounts to a hefty $455 fine.

Naturally, feeding a squirrel does not instantly land the hapless offender with a $455 fine; it was Mr. Kert's subsequent refusal to pay the initial $75 fine than led to the staggering bill, which has been compounded by various court costs, late-payment interest, etc. His has mushroomed into an extreme case, of course, but nevertheless he was initially ticketed for doing something many people do every day without a second thought — and certainly without expecting to be ticketed by a Public Security officer.

There are sound reasons behind the municipal bylaw that outlaws the feeding of local wildlife, some of which were outlined in the Examiner last spring. They include the risk of a dramatic increase in the local wildlife population, and the possibility of attracting vermin — a definite health hazard to anyone living nearby. Public Security Director Richard Bourdon has also pointed out that this all increases the chances of a rabies outbreak.

But still, the very idea of getting slapped with a $75 ticket for feeding a squirrel, a pigeon, a duck, or whatever other wild creature you encounter, sounds more like a joke than a harsh reality — as Mr. Kert and no doubt several other people have found out the hard way. It does nothing to improve Westmount's image outside the community, in fact it only adds to our quirky reputation for stiff bylaws and uncompromising intolerance for ostensibly everyday activities that would not turn a single head across the municipal border.

Most people would rightly argue that our law enforcement officers should be used for more serious duties than peanut detail, but when it comes to protecting public health and safety, not to mention the well-being of the wild animals themselves, this by-law is perfectly sound.

It may be difficult to accept, and even tougher to resist that urge to toss a piece of bread to the cute little duck in the Westmount Park lagoon, but in the long run it is for the greater good and may save this community a lot of trouble down the road.