New York officials claim that their wild mute swan population has been attacking people, destroying vegetation and polluting the water. Draft proposals suggest killing or resettling the entire population of 2,200 swans by 2025.
In 2009, a flock of wild geese collided with a U.S. Airways flight. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture carried out an annual goose cull, and plans to extend this program to include swans.
Celebrated in songs, poetry and literature, swans have existed in New York for nearly 200 years without serious incident. These swans deserve respect, and efforts should be made to relocate the population rather than destroy it. Please sign the petition to urge officials not to kill all the swans in New York!
We, the undersigned, are concerned about your proposal to kill New York's entire population of 2,200 wild mute swans by 2025.
We understand that the swans are invasive and can be aggressive when protecting their young, but they have lived in New York for nearly 200 years without serious incident. The birds have been celebrated in songs, poetry and literature, and they add beauty and life to parks.
These swans deserve respect, and efforts should be made to relocate the population rather than destroy it. We respectfully urge you to relocate the swans instead of culling them. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
