BREAKING NEWS: No More Parakeets to Be Killed This Year
Today in court, just a few minutes ago, representatives of the United Illuminating Co. asserted that they will not be killing parakeets over the next month. Before any new roundups, in January, we’ll be back in court.
More will be coming out through the news over the next couple of days, in the Connecticut Post and in state, national and international press (AP). The parakeets have been heard all over the country and the world, including in London’s Guardian newspaper.
Professor Dwight Smith, as much a dedicated advocate as a learned biologist, has supported our legal action in state court today as the expert witness. Smith’s dedication to the well-being of the parakeets shows that fine scientists not only study life, but celebrate it.
We share this news with all of our members and supporters, mindful that it’s been a bitter month for the birds up until this point. Please keep your holiday lights off in memory and in respect.
With thanks,
Priscilla Feral
President
Friends of Animals
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9 Comments
On December 6, 2005, Ken Bernacky wrote:
This is pure bullshit, lawyer double speak. These nest-less birds are still going to die from exposure from our winter climate. We need to continue our efforts to stop the killing, no they won’t be gassed immediately, it will probably take a few hours for the winter climate to kill them now. I see little improvement here. Next protest is when?
Sincerely,
Ken Bernacky
Blog editors’ note: Ken, you’re right to say that the birds without nests will be in a pitiful position. We can give you these quotes from the Associated Press, from a just-printed article called “Power Company Says It Won’t Capture Any More Birds This Year” (6 Dec 2005) — we’re in this for real policy change. Keep struggling, and thank you. Here are the quotes from the article — and note the bottom line.
[Friends of Animals President Priscilla] Feral said she would like UI to leave the nests alone until spring, and her group plans to file a lawsuit in January that would force UI to deal with the nests in a more humane way.
“The question is whether they will get through the winter without a nest or time to rebuild them,” she said.
U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., said the decision to stop the gassing of the birds will give officials more time to find a humane way to relocate the birds’ nests.
“The bottom line is there has been an incredible outpouring of support for these animals, and we need to work with the USDA, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and United Illuminating Co. to find another viable
approach,” Shays said.
On December 6, 2005, Karen Hujdic wrote:
THANK GOD! I only wish that they would not take the nests yet either. At least their little lives have been sparedfor the time being if they can survive the bitter cold. I think we should continue to press everyone to get them to stop the nest removal too. Still no more lights for christmas at my house and my bill will be paid late. Spit in the ocean, but what ever I can do, I will.
I want to sincerely thank Laurel and Friends of Animals for their persistance and very hard work. You will have my continued support in the future, because you are truly “FRIENDS OF ANIMALS” and not some radical group that does crazy things. You really care.
On December 6, 2005, Diane Field wrote:
Bitter victory I guess. Those few who are fortunate to be spared will be in for the surprise of their little lives when they go home and find no nest. I sit here powerless in Boston but wish more than anything I could offer some safe haven for them. This has sickened me for the past week.
The efforts of everyone involved deserves some recognition—while they couldn’t all be saved, this is certainly a victory for concerned and human people everywhere.
On December 6, 2005, MJ wrote:
Wonderful news but I am still hesitant about UI and others. What happens if they attempt to kill? Do THEY get arrested? I hope someone is watching when they take the nests down without the birds inside. Is that going to be done during the day and when?? which still is mean and cruel in winter ) What is the urgency after all these years?? Can UI answer that.?? It makes much more sense to take nests down in early spring, when its warmer and they can rebuild nests elsewhere while people pole watch, so they do not build on poles. Not a very hard thing to do. Its far from over but this hopefully is a positive step. We are still watching and will continue too, MORE THAN EVER.
On December 6, 2005, P.J.Chevrette wrote:
Keep the pressure on UI - their track record on honesty has been less than stellar. They should still have to back up their claims about the birds being a “safety & health hazard”. Monk parakeets in CT need to be protected without further delay - let’s get some laws passed.
On December 6, 2005, PO wrote:
I just heard Carbone(UI spokesman) say they got all of the birds? (200 gassed )So thats why they are stopping!!?? I feel this is a stall tactic for the holidays and they will resume the cruelty after the New Year. I hope we all stay on our toes through the holidays etc and that we get more armour to fight these people: UI, DEP, USDA. CT AUDUBON SOCIETY when they decide to resume in January. I think they feel everyone is so distracted because of the holidays that this will subside and go away. It will not at my end and I hope others join in and feel the same. Need many a lawsuit and new protective laws for the animals/wildlife. Hurray!! for the kind people out there.
On December 6, 2005, Kristen wrote:
This is great news. I know there is surviving birds.Another way for U.I. to tell some more lies.Im here for any assistance you may need, protest, vigil.Keep up the great work.
On December 6, 2005, mauren wilkinson wrote:
tHESE BIRDS HAVE MADE SO MANY RESIDENTS HAPPY, AND PROUD OF THEIR AREA, THERE IS nO REASON NOR RIGHT TO KILL THEM!! Please call gov jody rell, the best gov we have ever had and ask for her help. This is ridiculous. Maureen
Blog editor’s note: Gov. Rell opted out of the discussion and decided to do nothing. The best governor in the last couple of decades was Gov. Ella Grasso. She expressed her sensitivity toward animals by getting involved — demanding accountability from politicians.
On December 6, 2005, ARC wrote:
God bless all you hardworking saints and the unnumbered
army of those who pushed this over the top