Canada Geese Protest Planned Outside Bloomberg's Mansion

Not happy about all of those Canada geese getting sent to the gas chamber? This Monday (from 6 to 8 p.m.) activists will rally around Mayor Bloomberg's mansion (17 East 79th Street) declaring their disgust for the mass slaughter and demanding protection for urban wildlife.

Since the birds have struck 78 planes in the past 10 years—most famously US Airways Flight 1549, which was forced to land in the Hudson River—city officials have devised a slaughter contract with the USDA's Wildlife Service Division to rid areas around the city's major airports of Canada geese. Bloomberg recently addressed the topic, saying, "It’s geese or human beings—I can tell you where I come out on that."

However, activists don't see it as cut and dry, and are asking the killing spree be killed itself. Edita Birnkrant, NY Director of Friends of Animals, said, “New Yorkers resist the claim on our tax dollars for a wildlife massacre. New York should not put a quota on geese.” That quota, by the way, is at around 4,000 geese, according to the official report. She added that Bloomberg and other decision-makers need to be held accountable for the killings she, and others, view as unnecessary.

Priscilla Feral, President of Friends of Animals, explained, “Birds nest, and birds move on. Are guns to be pointed skyward when Tundra swans return to Pennsylvania in November, or when Mute swans fly along the Atlantic Coast? Stop this killing, and let birds be birds.”

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By Jen Carlson in News on August 6, 2010 1:38 PM

Comments [rss]

nik13

Priscilla Feral? Just like a "feral cat"?

There's a place for geese here, just not for tens of thousands of then. Dirty, prolific & aggressive species pushing smaller birds out of their habitats. Mallard ducks are way cuter than geese.

Michael

"Dirty, prolific & aggressive species pushing smaller birds out of their habitats."

Funny, that description applies perfectly to humans as well.

inoyourider

Keep killing them but do something useful with the meat.

Yummy!

dadoc

I say we all show up and giggle at the little Filipino guy :)

FelixtheCat Christine Quinns

you are welcome to join but note that there isn't anything little about me.

youngpro

that's not what HE said!

FelixtheCat Christine Quinns

do you know how many people have died and/or been seriously injured in horse drawn carriages????? Just a boy was killed in one recently in USA. I can post the link.

So why is Bloomberg not banning this inhumane industry to save and protect our lives???????

pretender

oh yes this one too. that horse drawn carriage was also driven by a goose in a top hat and tails

FelixtheCat Christine Quinns

well those carriage drivers don't have nor require a driver license so I guess the geese can technically drive one as well.

FelixtheCat Christine Quinns

Cars killed more people in this city in one year. NO deaths related to geese. Why not get rid of all the cars now????

pretender

Oh...that's because those cars were driven by geese

FelixtheCat Christine Quinns

And this Queen is killing park geese that don't even migrate. This man is full of hate. whatever he doesn't like nor understand, he destroys. he overturn term limits with Quinn, he destroys neighborhoods and businesses for his mega development plans. he shuts public schools and opens up charters schools with no gym, no computer lab and not even a lunch room for all.

nicemarmot

When I first read that headline I had a vision of geese protesting outside Bloomie's house.

Kelles

+1 LOL! I was also thinking geese would flock outside Bloomberg's mansion, pooping all over his cars

Såkandulæredet

haha yeah it does sound like that.

Såkandulæredet

Kill the birds but don't donate the meat direct to the homeless. Instead sell these local, free-range gooseburgers at inflated prices (hell I'd even try one) at some street fair thing, and then use *that* money to help the homeless, (probably bring in a lot more food than simply donating the meat straight out). That would probably give the most bang for buck.

It's win for everyone... well except the animal lover schmucks, but really who cares about them. The geese aren't endangered, they are causing a documented problem, and they need to be dealt with. Anyone who thinks they are a humanist would agree.

jaems33

78 bird strikes over a ten year time is really not that many considering how many flights take off during that period. And how many people have died from it over that time period? And worldwide over a 30-40 year history, I've read less than a thousand people have died in airplanes because of these birds.

I can only assume you'd use the "one life is plenty enough." What about wildlife attacks in the woods? Or deer crossing the roads at night? My point is not to diminish human life but to acknowledge that there are inherent risks to traveling, be it by foot, car, or airplanes. There are some risks that I think are worth reducing through action (making sure roads are clear, strict regulations for vehicles/drivers/pilots) and those that I think are acceptable (nature, including wildlife).

That said, why are these geese not being turned to food? At the very least, this would be a great boon to shelters or other purveyors.

Guest

"this is tina reporting for bfg. and yes, all the protesters seem to be geese; i repeat, everyone protesting is a goose. again, there're are no humans present at this protest... wait, there's one. holy cow, what is your name sir?"

"philippecan tuilin."

FelixtheCat Christine Quinns

sorry about the nasty words but I am sick and tired of you and a few posters (alwyas the same few ones) who need to make it an issue about me and that the issue itself. And if it wrong to post names of people that you don't even know. How would you like someone to toss your name around even when it isn't applicable?