The general point of my statement was; it looks
like the PGC is walking a line and will surely
cross it if we don't watch closely. Federal
regulations just loosened interpretation of the
MBTA (Migratory Birds Treaty Act) giving states
increased power to deal with "problem birds"
(signed Nov 2004)
Maybe the practice of population control is a
necessary evil. There seems to be a Mute swan
problem in the Commonwealth. The article from
January talks about the mute swan problem. The
author, a PGC biologist, goes too far and states
"it would be best if there were no mute swans in
Pennsylvania." For over 80 years they've been
part of our ecosystem. Biologically speaking, a
whole species CAN NOT be removed from an
eco-system without ill side-effects.
Some people do keep swans on their property (as
pets, as property). The author states "domestic
mute swans are still capable of causing
ecological and nuisance problems".
He suggests that "Another useful option might
be the adoption of regulations to strictly
regulate the possession of captive mute swans to
ensure they do not cause major conflicts or
serve as a source of new feral populations."
I believe there is a maximum of 250 'legal' Mute
swans allowed.
Uh, oh- permits...($$$$$) and this would insure
they know the locations of these animals... for
perhaps wing pinioning, hobbling or worse. (Ask
the people who kept accurate paperwork and
records of Hedgehogs.)
We (myself and a small collection of waterfowl
lovers- ducks, geese, etc) have seen these PGC
actions extend to non-native ducks and geese
(including domestic varieties). Not only is it
revolting HOW these animals are slaughtered, but
there are allegations the Game Officers Doat and
Gloat over their 'takes' without reverence for
life. There are is also concern that private
property lines may not be observered, possibly
subjecting peoples 'private' flocks to
depredation.
I'm not sure how much of this is fit to publish
"now". We are lacking substance, aside from
PCG's own article describing their typical MO
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