We, the undersigned, demand our beautiful Brooklyn swans not be killed.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has unveiled a proposal that would kill 2,200 mute swans by 2025.
The DEC's proposal “Management Plan for Mute Swans in New York State" calls for the elimination of all free-ranging mute swans. The plan would use taxpayer money to systematically kill these charismatic creatures. The DEC even states that the swan population of 2,200 has actually stabilized in recent years.
The DEC’s justification for the managed extinction includes a potential aviation hazard (birdstrikes), aggression while nesting, and loss of water quality from coliform bacteria.
We urge New York to use alternative methods of population control. For example, in the spring, remove some eggs from the nests. Or, the swans can be trapped, neutered and released. There are other safe methods, as well. Death is a cruel choice. Mute swans have adapted to our waters over many years and deserve the same protection as our other natural wildlife.
We, the undersigned, demand our beautiful Brooklyn swans not be killed.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has unveiled a proposal that would kill 2,200 mute swans by 2025.
The DEC's proposal “Management Plan for Mute Swans in New York State" calls for the elimination of all free-ranging mute swans. The plan would use taxpayer money to systematically kill these charismatic creatures. The DEC even states that the swan population of 2,200 has actually stabilized in recent years.
The DEC’s justification for the managed extinction includes a potential aviation hazard (birdstrikes), aggression while nesting, and loss of water quality from coliform bacteria.
We urge New York to use alternative methods of population control. For example, in the spring, remove some eggs from the nests. Or, the swans can be trapped, neutered and released. There are other safe methods, as well. Death is a cruel choice. Mute swans have adapted to our waters over many years and deserve the same protection as our other natural wildlife.
