Subject: FW: Help stop bill that would allow massive bird slaughter
Date: Jul 7 21:12:37 2004
From: Paul Hicks - PHicks at accessgrace.org


Tweets,

I just returned from SE Connecticut, where I was "hosted" by a masterful local birder. (100+ species in two abbreviated morning outings?great fun!) I was astonished at the numbers of Mute Swans feeding in a particular saltwater cove. The explanation I was told: There is a lady here who has fed the swans and campaigned for their protection/promotion for years. This in "irrational" (sorry, my host?s word) contradiction to proposals/efforts to control the Mute Swan population due to evidence that native populations of waterfowl are overrun, their food supply diminished, etc.

I am certainly not qualified to argue the pros or cons or technicalities regarding this pending legislation. However, my experience indicates that not all bird advocates see this issue the same way, in particular regarding the Mute Swan. I just thought I?d acknowledge the differing perspective, since I saw and heard it first-hand from a credible source.

Good birding!

Paul Hicks
Tenino, WA
Phicks AT accessgrace.org

---------- Original Message----------------
FW: Help stop bill that would allow massive bird slaughter
From: "martha burdick" <marthaburdick AT hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 07 Jul 2004 20:14:17 -0700



From: "Best Friends, Troy"
Reply-To:
To: "Bfnmembers"
Subject: Request to help stop bill that would allow massive bird slaughter
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2004 10:43:25 -0600

Dear Best Friends Network Members,

Right now, there is in both the US Senate and the US House of
Representatives, concurrently, a bill (S2547) and (HR4114) that would
deprive 94 species of non-native birds of the protection of the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act, including species of cranes, cardinals,
and swans.

This bill is moving rapidly through both houses, with little opposition, and
has the potential to allow the mass slaughter,
especially all along the East Coast, of tens of thousands of Mute Swans.

There has long been a plan for government agencies to slaughter Mute Swans,
on the Chesapeake Bay and on many lakes. This nearly
took place a few years ago, but it was prevented by a court ruling, in 2001,
that found that Mute Swans were protected by the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The bill now in congress, called the Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act would
exempt Mute Swans and 93 other species from federal
protection.

If this bill were to be passed, then the Mute Swans will be in danger all
over again of mass slaughter, and the other 93 species of
non-native birds will no longer have federal protection either.

If you would like more information about this, please go to
www.api4animals.org
www.fund.org
www.sort.org

Please either call, send a letter to, and/or e-mail your two state senators
and your representative in the House of Representatives,
and ask them to vote against this bill.

Their names and contact information may be found at
www.action.fund.org/directory

A sample letter follows; you may use this, or send a letter in your own
words.

Thank you so very much for caring about these birds and for taking the time
to help them!

Sincerely,

Sharon
(Sharon St. Joan)
Bird and Wildlife Consultant
Best Friends Animal Society
www.bestfriends.org
sharonsj AT bestfriends.org


Sample Letter


Dear

I am writing to urge you to oppose S2547 (to your two senators) (or to
oppose HR4114- to your representative in the House).

S 2547 (or HR4114) will destroy the protection afforded by the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act to 94 species of migratory birds,
considered non-native, and will allow them to be shot, trapped, poisoned, or
otherwise killed. These birds include cranes,
cardinals, swans, and many others.

Overall bird populations are dwindling year by year in this country and
globally. Birds need more protection, not less.

The mass slaughter of beautiful, magnificent Mute Swans along the East Coast
by government agencies, had been planned and was about
to take place, until it was halted by a Washington D.C. court ruling, in
2001, that found that Mute Swans were protected by the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Passing S2547 (or HR4114) would remove this protection and would allow the
long-planned slaughter of tens of thousands of Mute
Swans. This seems to be the primary reason for the introduction of this
bill.

Concerning the Chesapeake Bay, one of the areas targeted for the slaughter
of swans, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has determined
that harm to the bay is caused by industry and farming, not by Mute Swans.

Mute Swans, and most birds, mate for life, take wonderful care of their
young, are intelligent, graceful, beautiful, contribute
positively to the environment, and cause no harm to human beings. They are a
source of joy to many human beings, in a world often
short of joy.

Thank you very much for considering voting against S2547 (or HR 4114),
thereby retaining federal protection for these beloved birds.

Sincerely,
(your name)

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Troy Lea
Network Coordinator
Best Friends Animal Society
5001 Angel Canyon Road
Kanab, Utah 84741
435-644-2001 ext.123
troy AT bestfriends.org
www.bestfriends.org

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