Venice Ducks

Being a longtime resident of the Venice canals, I have some serious questions on the massive duck kill. The Department of Fish and Game said we had to do this to protect the migratory wild birds, but the wild birds have had three incidents with this virus in five years, which would make them carriers themselves. The government’s medieval approach is to kill all suspected bird carriers and to do no research on the disease. I still feel that science and research can hopefully find a cure or vaccine, because even if we repopulate, it can happen again. The Venice canal ducks were pets and we could not go through this pain again.

JERROLD BROWN

Venice

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* Yes, it is too bad that some ducks must be humanely destroyed in order to stop the spread of a deadly disease to healthy ducks. However, the real tragedy is reported in another article (“Not Enough Bread for Sandwiches,” June 11). “Ray Castellani’s Frontline Foundation is out of funds.” Here is a man doing truly important work, feeding hungry people on Skid Row, and he’s out of funds.

The $15,000 raised by the duck fanatics would be put to much better use if sent to the Frontline Foundation.

KATHLEEN L. CROMAR

West Hills

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I can’t take it anymore. These duck activists in Venice are driving me up the wall. People, I’m sure you mean well, but get a clue! These are ducks we’re talking about. These are ducks that are infected with a disease for which there is no cure. These are ducks that could very well infect the 2.8 million birds that travel the Pacific flyway each year. Instead of squandering your time trying to save these poor animals, why not use your well-intentioned energy in raising money toward the purchase of new and healthy ducks? Let the Fish and Game Department officials do their job.

SCOTT M. DOROBIALA

Los Angeles