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August 1, 2019
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DENVER, COLORADO
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Residents torn on roundups of geese The culling of goose populations in Denver parks has stirred up controversy BY JOE CARABELLO SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Tension between animal-rights defenders and the City of Denver rose to a crescendo following pre-dawn roundups of Canada geese at City Park and Washington Park in early July. The Canada geese population in city parks with lakes or ponds has long been a point of contention between park users who consider them a nuisance, largely because of their droppings on sidewalks, and those who defend their presence. The geese are in their annual molting period, when they lose their flight feathers for about six weeks. This allows authorities, using small water craft, to herd them from the water where they seek refuge at night, directing them into a holding pen on the bank. From there, they were placed in crates and taken to an undisclosed meat processing plant, where the waterfowl will be processed for either community food pantries or donated to animal rescue organizations, according to a news release issued by the city. “I’m saddened by the heartless, sadistic actions taken by those in power,” said Malerie Bleich, a resident of Stapleton who uses both parks. “For officials to secretly, under the cover of darkness, cause such unspeakable and irreparable harm to these beautiful geese and their precious families is nothing short of manipulative abuse of their office.” Bleich attended a protest rally at Washington Park on July 6, organized by a grassroots organization dubbing itself Canada Geese Protection Denver. But Walt Heidenfelder, a Washington Park resident, supports the city’s deci-
Canada Geese Protection Denver organizer Carole Woodall addresses the group of protesters gathered in Washington Park on July 6. PHOTO BY RYAN BORTHICK sion to cull the flocks. “Many of us who live near Washington Park enjoy the many visitors who share the park, especially families with kids and expectant moms getting their exercise. Unfortunately all of us have been betrayed by a band of visitors with no respect for the park,” he wrote in an email. SEE GEESE, P7
FOR MORE INFORMATION Canada geese are considered a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. However, municipalities can cull the birds if issued a special permit. Depredation permits are issued to municipalities like Denver by a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The permit is effective until Dec. 31, 2019, authorizing the removal of 2,200 geese.
Denver rounded up 1,662 geese, according to the Department of Agriculture. For resources on Canada geese from the Department of Agriculture, go to https:// bit.ly/2LWSd5w. For more information on Canada Geese Protection Denver, visit Facebook at www. facebook.com/groups/696624054123134/.
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