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20
Jan 2023
Last Updated: 20/01/2023
Valley Gardens visitors urged not to feed ducks
Visitors to Harrogate's Valley Gardens are being encouraged not to feed the ducks because of the risk of attracting rats.
Harrogate Borough Council recently installed a notice warning people of the risks associated with leftover food on the ground.
It said this could cause issues with rodents and overfed ducks.
However, the council stressed it had no plans to close the gardens, as occurred at Quarry Moor playground in Ripon 18 months ago when the number of rats caused a public health concern.
A council spokesperson said:
“We understand visitors to Valley Gardens in Harrogate enjoy feeding the ducks. However, doing so can attract rats that may feed on the food that is left, and also result in the ducks being overfed.
“Therefore, we would urge people not to feed the ducks.
“We have absolutely no intention whatsoever to close Valley Gardens.”
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