Readers Write: Town solution to goose problem inhumane

The Island Now

Many of the Great Neck residents and residents of the Town of North Hempstead are struggling with the stress and sorrow of knowing that their parks are no longer a place where humans can coexist with nature. 

The Canada Geese population is being threatened. These beautiful, intelligent birds who mate for life and fiercely protect their eggs and young, show loyalty to their flock, will soon be euthanized, massacred, tortured, whatever word you use its murder and inhumane!  

The USDA says its preferred method of euthanasia is using carbon dioxide.

We the enlightened public can only feel saddened and frustrated by the town board’s plan to kill the geese this summer.  I personally am so disheartened and appalled that I will no longer come back to the parks to enjoy the atmosphere knowing this was a place where these creatures lived and thrived. My heart is broken. 

People feed these creatures because there are no signs that say “Do Not Feed The Geese!” In return the geese are blamed and punished for coming back to their “home”!  Why is this happening? They claim their droppings are a health hazard, but in reality it fertilizes the grass!  We are sending bad message to our children that nature means nothing and killing animals is okay!

There are so many humane alternative methods to this problem. Border Collies can be used to deter them from coming back to their environment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture should be ashamed of themselves. They put a cheap price on life! We all have to wake up before its too late.

According to Scott Eidler from Newsday, Viviana Russell, a town councilwoman, said on Monday May 13, “We’re always open to listening to other suggestions.” She also stated she was “comfortable” with the plan to eradicate the geese, which calls for them to be processed and donated to food pantries. 

“It’s not like we’re just killing off the animals; they’re going to be used for food,” she said.

Viviana Russell forgets to mention that goose meat tend to be high in mercury, lead and pesticide contamination. 

Please call your local council person and say no to the euthanization of Canada Geese.

Lanie Igneri

Great Neck

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