If you’re strolling down the streets of Toronto, you might just happen to come across a racoon wearing a bowtie.
In an effort to get residents to stop feeding one of the many resident racoons that call the city home, a new city of Toronto ad is reminding Torontonians that as cute as they might be, Toronto’s unofficial mascots are not pets.
“They’re not pets. Don’t Feed them,” the ads read. “Keeping Wildlife wild keeps us all safe.”
The campaign comes just days before a new bylaw comes into effect prohibiting the feeding of wildlife in the city. Previously, there was no law in Toronto that prohibited the feeding of wildlife outside of city parks.
“It’s very normal to encounter wild animals in the city. It’s important to keep a safe distance as they can bite, scratch, or potentially transmit diseases such as rabies to people and pets,” says a statement on the city’s website. “We encourage you to learn more about their behaviour and how to co-exist peacefully so that sharing our space is safe and enjoyable for all.”
The problem with the new ad? According to one Twitter user, the dapper racoon is so adorable, they now want to feed it….spaghetti?,pic.twitter.com/Aq0k92GGE1
— Chris Betts (@mrchrisbetts) March 21, 2023
“Then why is he wearing a bowtie? I want to give him Spaghetti,” the Tweet goes on to say.
Since it was posted, the Tweet has garnered more than 100, 000 likes and close to 12,000 retweets, with most online users agreeing that the ad misses the mark.
“I mean, dressed like that, he is clearly ready to be taken out to a fancy dinner,” said one Twitter user. “You wear a bowtie, you get pasta,” said another.
Another twitter user got in on the fun.
— House of Mog (@mogybare) March 22, 2023
The city of Toronto ban goes into effect on April 1.
