Grandmother fined $100 for feeding ducks in local park

She just wanted to be kind. Now she's facing a hefty fine.

This sweet moment turned sour for one woman. It all happened on a lovely afternoon.

A simple act of kindness

The woman, a beloved local grandmother, was enjoying a peaceful day. She decided to share some of her lunch with the park's resident ducks. It's something she'd done many times before without issue.

Her grandkids often joined her for these outings. They loved watching the ducks paddle and bob for food. It was a cherished family tradition.

Questions arise about park rules

But this time, park officials had different ideas. They approached her while she was feeding the birds. They explained that feeding the waterfowl was against park policy.

The grandmother was confused. She couldn't understand why this was a problem. She always made sure to clean up afterwards. She never left any mess behind.

The unexpected penalty

To her shock, she was informed she would receive a fine. The amount was $100. This seemed incredibly steep for such a small act.

She asked for an explanation. Officials cited concerns about the ducks' health and the park's ecosystem. They mentioned that bread isn't actually good for them.

Community reaction and debate

News of the fine quickly spread through the community. Many residents were outraged. They felt the penalty was far too harsh.

Online forums lit up with discussions. Some people agreed with the park's stance. They pointed out that proper wildlife management is important.

"It's a bit much to fine an old lady a hundred dollars for feeding ducks," one commenter wrote. "Where's the compassion?"

Others defended the grandmother. They argued that a warning would have been more appropriate. They questioned the strictness of the enforcement.

What's the real reason behind the policy?

Park officials maintain that their rules are in place to protect the wildlife. They say that too much bread can lead to digestive problems for the ducks. It can also contribute to pollution in the water.

They also mentioned that feeding can make birds dependent on humans. This can reduce their natural foraging skills. It might also attract unwanted pests to the park area.

The grandmother's situation

The grandmother paid the $100 fine. She left the park feeling disheartened. Her simple act of feeding ducks had led to an unexpected consequence.

She hopes other park visitors will be more aware of the rules. But she also feels that common sense should sometimes prevail. It’s a difficult balance to strike.