City says no to selling of shark fins
A bylaw banning the selling, trading and distributing of shark fins is one step from being banned in Abbotsford.
The city passed the third reading of an amendment Monday to the business licence bylaw, prohibiting the sale of shark fins.
The issue arises from "finning," the practice of cutting off a shark's fin and releasing the live creature back into the ocean where it dies.
A city bylaw enforcement report outlined the selling of shark fins as a "noxious and offensive business."
Coun. Patricia Ross said obtaining shark fins is an "inhumane practice," and the city must take measures to stop the distribution of shark fin products.
Coun. Henry Braun was opposed to the bylaw and concerned that it is not within the city's powers to enforce. He pointed out the City of Toronto's bylaw banning shark-fin products was struck down by the Ontario Supreme Court.
The city report recommended a resolution calling upon the federal government to ban the import of shark fin, and forward it to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
"It's the practice of how they get the shark fins that is our main concern," said Ross. "It's important that the community take a stand."
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