Animal Activists Speak Out About Geese Population Control in Ocean County

Animal activists and residents flock to the Ocean County Administration Building in Toms River last night for the Freeholder's meeting.  They were there in protest of a controversial method used to control the Canada geese population.  Emotions ran high from those who feel it's inhumane and not necessary.  The Freeholders don't see it that way.

The County deals with the water fowl through a USDA approved “collect and kill” system. The method involves collecting the birds into the back of a large truck and exposing them to carbon dioxide gas, ultimately killing them.

The Animal Activists of New Jersey and their president David Sauder went before the Freeholders in May to try and dissuade them of continuing the practice and instead consider non lethal methods.  He was back last night once again suggesting ideas like egg addling or eagle decoys which have been show to kill the eggs humanly or ward off the birds more effectively.

A similar situation occurred several months back when Sauder and the Animal Activists of New Jersey protested against Lacey Township’s consideration of the “collect and kill” method.

Freeholder John Bartlett told the crowd "we are happy to hear your opinion but many of the non-lethal methods didn't work.  We spent close to $53,000 on using dogs to scare them off.  They didn't work.  If anyone wants to submit ideas, they can contact the Parks and Recreation Department."

Freeholder Joe Vicari took issue with people saying there's no health risk.  He says "the droppings pose a major problem for kids and their families.  Because of our methods, we were able to open a Manahawkin beach for swimming again."

At this point, the method remains in place but activists vow to keep pushing them to stop it.

For more on NJ Goosewatch and their pursuit, visit their Facebook page.