Mount Laurel, N.J. (July 13, 2010) – On Sunday July 11, more than 30 Canada geese and ducks were found shot and mutilated at the East Gate Square in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. The international animal protection organization In Defense of Animals (IDA) offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the killing.
Some of the geese and ducks were already dead, while others were still alive and suffering in what appeared to be a drawn out, brutal killing of innocent wildlife. Initial observations of the slaughter reveal geese and ducks were shot in the head and then possibly kicked to death or had their necks broken.
“In Defense of Animals find these acts unconscionable, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice,” said IDA president Scotlund Haisley. Citing the connection between violence to animals and violence to people, Haisley warned that “anyone who would commit such depraved violence towards animals is also a danger to people.”
On June 15, despite widespread and vocal opposition, Mount Laurel Township Council authorized the USDA to exterminate an entire flock of Canada geese at Laurel Acres Park. One hundred and thirty three birds were cruelly rounded up and gassed to death with carbon dioxide. This divisive and controversial decision angered local residents and animal protection groups, but also seems to have empowered others to act violently against geese in the area.
Haisley and actress and animal advocate Elaine Hendrix addressed Mount Laurel township officials on Monday night to express their dismay over the June gassing decision, and to also announce the reward for the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for killing the geese found on July 11.
“Whether or not the reckless decision to kill all the Canada geese at Laurel Acres Park played a direct role in inspiring the criminals who killed the geese at East Gate Square, that decision to exterminate the geese has had negative repercussions throughout the community,” Haisley added. “Concerned citizens must get involved with their community leaders to ensure public education and the implementation of non-lethal population control programs for Canada geese, to prevent similar unnecessary and cruel slaughters.”
For more information, please visit www.idausa.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Scotlund Haisley, Scotlund@idausa.org, 707-981-7701
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