Case 1 - Man v. Goose At the Legends golf course in Champaign, witnesses observed a golfer club a Goose to death after the goose charged the golfer. When one of the witnesses reported the incident to Champaign Police, he was told that no crime had been committed and that the golfer "had every right" to kill the goose.
Contrary to the assertion of Champaign Police, Geese are a protected species in Illinois and it is illegal to kill or remove geese (or destroy nests or eggs) without a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The incident has been reported to the DNR and I believe that an investigation is underway.
A concerned citizen who is also a regular patron of Legends spoke with a Legends manager today who had little to say other than that Legends bears no responsibiltiy for the incident. The manager also stated that a goose could "take a chunk out of your leg."
I don't doubt that the goose charged the golfer. At this time of year, Canadian Geese are tending to their young, and may become aggressive toward humans that come too close to their nest site or goslings. I don't doubt that it is extremely unsettling to have an angry goose try to run you off.
I have serious doubts, however, that the only recourse available to the golfer was to club the goose to death. In my opinion, this was a barbaric over-reaction.
Now that the deed is done, what's the remedy? Obviously, I have limited influence, but here's what I'd like to see happen in this case: (1) I'd like to see Legends post signs near nesting areas (a) warning golfers that geese will be protective of their young, (b) clearly stating that geese are a protected species, and (c) instructing golfers to report problems with geese to management; (2) I'd like to see the Champaign Police Department called on the carpet for its incredibly inept response to the report; and (3) I'd like to see the DNR vigorously investigate this incident and impose appropriate penalties upon the perpetrator, whose identity is known.
Resource: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/wildlife/directory_show.cfm?species=canadagoose
Case 2 - Man v. Cat
This morning in or around Mansfield, somebody shot a cat in the face with a pellet gun. The cat was treated at CCHS and the prognosis is good, although the pellet remains lodged in the cat's head. The pellet missed the cat's eye by about 1/8 of an inch.
At this time, I'm not fully aware of the status of the investigation of this incident by law enforcement authorities. I certainly hope that it is taken seriously and pursued with rigor. I will keep you posted.
Sigh. A few weeks ago, I found out the cat I adopted from CCHS had a pellet near her spine. My best friend Kate adopted one that you guys resurrected from near death at the bottom of a trash can riddled in pellets. Apparently, this is a common thing outdoor cats endure in our county, which saddens me on a great many levels.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad someone contacted DNR. The Champaign Police should definitely know better. Sigh again.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me think that if I were a golfer, Legends would be the last course I'd choose, given their callous attitude.
ReplyDeleteGeez...i know geese are protective of there young,after being charged by one who had eggs..the best solution for me..was to find another path to walk on...not to club the poor goose..shoot a cat......i think these people need mandatory anger management classes...
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of either of these two despicable acts of cruelty; thanks for doing your part to bring them to the public's attention. I'm shocked to hear the Champaign Police's response to the goose incident - it seems incredible that they could be so ignorant of the laws protecting these animals! Makes one wonder what else they're not getting right. I'll be very interested to hear how the investigation proceeds.
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