A New Jersey town, Peapack and Gladstone Borough, is facing a dilemma as they plan to kill dozens of geese in their public park due to the birds turning the area into a personal potty. Despite opposition from community members, the council voted to hire federal wildlife officials to round up approximately 60 geese and gas them to death with carbon dioxide. The council claims they have exhausted all other options and are resorting to this method out of desperation.
Residents of the town, along with environmental activists, protested the decision to kill the geese, emphasizing that it is inhumane and cruel to deliberately kill living beings. They argue that the geese are a welcome sight in the park and that they should not be sacrificed for the convenience of park visitors. Some suggested alternative solutions, such as rehoming the geese, feeding them birth control, or scaring them away with larger swans.
Despite opposition from some residents, town officials maintain that the geese droppings contain harmful bacteria that can spread disease and contribute to water quality issues in the park’s pond. The overall population of geese in New Jersey is considered overpopulated, and the council has been struggling with the geese problem for two decades without finding a long-lasting solution. Previous attempts to control the geese population, such as using dogs to chase them away or spreading natural deterrents, have not been successful.
One resident near the park supported the decision to euthanize the geese, citing personal experiences with geese hissing at her children and creating a mess in her yard. However, nearly 2,000 people have signed an online petition to save the Canada geese, arguing that the planned method of extermination is cruel and inhumane. The petition author highlighted the fear and suffering experienced by the geese during the gas chamber process, which can take up to 30 minutes to kill them.
If the Peapack and Gladstone Borough Council proceeds with the extermination plan, it would not be the first New Jersey city to take such action. Other towns, such as Spring Lake and Edgewater, have also resorted to killing geese in the past due to overpopulation issues. The controversy surrounding the decision reflects the ethical and environmental considerations involved in managing wildlife populations in urban areas. The debate between the council, residents, and activists highlights the complex challenges faced in finding a balance between human convenience and wildlife protection in public spaces.
