March 4, 2025
The Invasive Species Centre is thrilled to partner with artist Laura Fedynyszyn to highlight the dangers of letting domestic pets loose. This art exhibit will be on show to members of the public from March 1 – April 30, 2025 at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto, Ontario.
Domestic pets and aquarium life like fishes, invertebrates, aquatic plants, reptiles, amphibians, or mammals can become invasive when released into natural environments. Loose pets can have negative impacts on natural ecosystems by spreading disease, outcompeting native species for resources, preying on native species, contributing to habitat degradation as well as increasing pressure on endangered and/or threatened species at risk. For example, a pet goldfish released into natural environments such as a storm water pond or your local park pond can alter its native ecosystem. A common pet goldfish will bottom feed on anything such as small algae, invertebrates, and other fish eggs. Bottom feeding can increase turbidity and limit sunlight needed for native aquatic life. This can also reduce available oxygen which contributes to algae blooms.
Even when a pet is released based on moral and compassionate grounds, not only is the ecological integrity of that ecosystem being jeopardized, but the pet may not be able to adapt to the new environment. This inability to adapt may lead to unnecessary suffering and even the death of the animal.
“This new art piece is a powerful visual reminder of the responsibility we have to protect both our pets and the environment by ensuring they remain safely within our care,” says Rebecca D’Orazio, Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, Invasive Species Centre. “Invasive species are a leading driver in the loss of biodiversity globally. The small action of not letting your pet loose has large positive impacts.”
Fool’s Gold is an art installation created by Laura Fedynyszyn. The Lino prints are printed on decorative paper and discarded book pages. Fool’s Gold deals with themes of climate change and environmentalism. It is a print installation consisting of a school of fish that represents the current and fragile state of southern Ontario’s aquatic ecosystems. Well-meaning community members have been releasing pet goldfish into the wild for years. However, this highly adaptive species of fish is now steadily taking over southern Ontario’s freshwater ponds and rivers, reducing native species of fish and plants. Laura’s art installation raises attention to this issue.
Prospective pet owners are encouraged to consider several factors of pet ownership such as knowing if the pet is legal to own in Canada, ensuring the pet is purchased from a reputable company, and the feasibility of being able to properly care for the pet throughout its entire life span.
If pet owners can no longer care for their pet, it’s essential that it not be released. Some alternatives include contacting the retailer for advice, inquiring if another pet owner would be willing to adopt, or donating it to a local aquarium society or school if they are able to properly care for the pet.
More resources for pet owners are available on the Invasive Species Centre website: www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/dlil
About Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen is a national non-profit transforming public spaces in our cities to build a healthier future for people and our planet. Evergreen Brick Works, our headquarters in the heart of Toronto’s ravine system, is a former industrial site that we converted into a green community hub where visitors can connect, explore and play year-round.
www.evergreen.ca
About the Invasive Species Centre
The Invasive Species Centre is a not-for-profit organization that prevents the spread of invasive species in Canada and beyond by connecting with stakeholders to catalyze invasive species management and communicate policy and science knowledge. Visit our website at www.invasivespeciescentre.ca to learn about invasive species, get technical information, take action, and sign up for news and events.
For more information on the Invasive Species Centre Don’t Let it Loose Campaign, visit our webpage https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/take-action/dont-let-it-loose/
About the Artist Laura Fedynyszyn
Laura Fedynyszyn is a printmaker from Toronto. She completed her BFA in the OCAD University Printmaking Program and went on to study Art Conservation at Fleming College. Her artistic practice blends these two fields of study through reuse and reimagining of old materials, with themes related to nature conservancy and climate change.
Media Contact
Lauren Rogers
Senior Communications Coordinator
media@invasivespeciescentre.ca
705-257-8188
