Turn off your Holiday Lights for the Parakeets

On November 30, 2005, MJ wrote:

Wecome to Connecticut, the animal cruelty capital of the East.

I also would never support the Audubon Society or any other society or organization etc that has supported such cruelty. These people ALL HAVE THE POWER to change things and they refuse to, what a disgrace. They say people who are cruel and mean to animals / wildlife are mean people in general and have no understanding of feelings and can harm others as well. Mr Carbone are you there??

People who say “its my job” and are participating in taking the nests down has NOTHING to do with “their job” either. You know who you are. Anyone who can be part of trapping and killing these innocent birds while they are in their nests are heartless, useless,unfeeling people. WE all know who you are. This can be stopped now if these so called important people wanted it to. Stop using a smoke screen of lies.

On December 1, 2005, Wendy Brown wrote:

Is anyone going to organize a protest anytime soon? If so, I would love to go. Please let me know. I would especially like to protest the arrest of the woman in W. Haven.

On December 1, 2005, Chrystal wrote:

Although I am in TX I read this story on our news page here. Has anybody come up with a suggestion about some kind of wire box at the top of these electrical polls? One that has small enough bars to where the nests couldn’t be built. They can always put that there with a door and lock so they could still get into whatever they need to. It would most likely save them money in the long run if they come up with something like this. There is always an alternative solution rather then killing a defenseless animal.

On December 1, 2005, Laurel Lundstrom, Program Coordinator, Friends of Animals wrote:

MJ wrote “People who say ‘its my job’ and are participating in taking the nests down has NOTHING to do with ‘their job’ either. You know who you are. Anyone who can be part of trapping and killing these innocent birds while they are in their nests are heartless, useless, unfeeling people.”

After speaking with a lineperson from UI today, I found out that all UI workers engaging in the eradication program are volunteers….They had a choice…

Laurel Lundstrom
Program Coordinator

Donna writes to add that “the fact that the killers are volunteers makes me even sicker. This cannot be allowed to happen and I will enlist the support of everyone I know to protest this despicable act.”

On December 1, 2005, MJ wrote:

If they are volunteers how come UI said its costing them 125,000.00 to do this? I would hate to be a customer of UI as they will try to “milk” the customer for more money now due to this. Volunteers or not, anyone who participates in this cruelty is not worth anything. Plus UI has mislead the public all this time, maybe these people are not volunteers and ARE UI workers and are just saying they are not. We all know how deceptive UI is. The bottom line is: Its “CRUELTY TO ANIMALS/WILDLIFE” and they( the Monk Parakeets) cannot defend themselves without the help of all of us. Gassing innocent birds to death is not the answer.How can society, powerful people, etc let this happen. Please stop it now!!

On December 1, 2005, Missy Brayton wrote:

From a business standpoint I can somewhat understand UI frustration with the nests on the transformer poles. However, I have a really difficult time understanding why this has become such an IMMEDIATE priority to run out and exterminate these birds. There are so many other things UI should be working on - like having our utilities under-ground like most civilized nations.

Also,

1) Why wasn’t more research done in advance to seek alternative humane solutions?

2) Why if UI is willing to pay the expenses involved with the murders of the birds, but unwilling to spend the funds putting up a “dummy” pole and installing some type of deterrant/repellent on the transformer poles?

3) Did they consider relocation of nests to trees?


I don’t understand why there wasn’t a humane compromise.

We are all God’s creatures, just like all of the creatures on the earth. It seems crazy and insane, and completely inhumane when something becomes just a little bit of a nuissance to “kill it off”…like the bears, the deer, coyote, tigers, etc.. You know someday something could come from another galaxy and swoop us up and stick us in gas chambers. You never know. I think we should be kind and feel priviledged to have these creatures in our lives.

I feel that we should all share the earth humanely. You speak about these birds as “invaders”…..we people are invaders too. But anything that can’t speak for itself is in danger. Why is murder only a crime for species that can speak? In my opinion all of these people are murderers and evil and should be jailed for the crime.

I request that this task stop and I too will boycott UI in every possible way that I can. I’m heartbroken over this.

regards,
Missy Brayton

Shelton, CT

On December 1, 2005, Missy Brayton wrote:

I feel helpless and would like to participate in a protest or petition or whatever it takes. Please contact me if something is arranged by FOA.

On December 1, 2005, Ron Troia wrote:

I am furious at this big business tactic. I wrote to the “Grand Pooba” Mr. Woodson and he didn’t even have the common decency to respond. Well count me in!! There will be NO Holiday lights on my house this year. And when they deregulate the electric industry in Connecticut, I will be the first one in line to drop UI as my supplier!!!
I do have a further sugggestion. I think everyone opposed to this horrendous program should buy 1 share of UI stock. It will cost them money to communicate with us and we will also be able to attend the shareholders meeting and question Mr. Woodson in person about his decision. We did it several years ago with a motorcyle issue and a Southport manufacturer and it worked quite well. Any thoughts on that?

On December 1, 2005, Doreen Brown wrote:

I am right behind Mr. Troia. Count me in as well!!!

On December 2, 2005, Karin Barth wrote:

More capitalist idiocy by people who don’t care about creating solutions for problems….maybe they should eliminate the drunk drivers that damage more light poles, and create more power outages than these innocent birds do.

On December 2, 2005, ellen wrote:

[sent to Connecticut Post 2 DEC 2005]
instead of capturing and killing the parakeets, an alternative for u.i. might be to erect ‘empty’ poles for the parakeets (who, after all these years have been allowed to make these poles their homes), and to purchase plastic ‘predator’ owls. with much success, homeowners across the country purchase these owls (approx. $18 each) which are very effective in deterring bird nesting/activity in their own yards and homes. the combined price of the timber, a perceived ‘predator’ perched on active poles, and the labor may be comparable to what they are spending to capture and kill these unfortunate avians. if u.i. sought a different solution to this ongoing problem, perhaps they will find an end to it. ellen kennedy, stamford.

On December 2, 2005, Jo-Jo Chlebogiannis wrote:

I live in Lordship CT and we have so many Monk Parakeets living here. Every morning when I walk my dogs, without hesitation a smile broadly forms on my face as I watch these social creatures and their antics with one another.

I have written a letter to my neighbors about this issue informing them that I will not illuminate my home this year in protest of UI’s agenda. Not only will I not illuminate my home, but I will also not illuminate the end of my street. It will be quite dark this year on my street!

I will continue to place into my neighborhoods mailboxes that same letter. I have left a copy of that letter at our local deli and I will place a copy of that same letter on each post where a nest is. I hope that our community feels the same way as I do. What more can I do?

If anyone is holding a protest or wants to get one togehter, please contact me.

Bah humbug!
Jo-Jo

On December 2, 2005, Karen Hujdic wrote:

In last nights broadcast of the news, the Governor stated that this is a federal issue. In CT Post, she is quoted as saying that a federal law that states “non-native” captive birds must be destroyed. IF UI was not capturing them, they would not be “captive”. This is crazy!

Everyone out there please support the stoppage of this and come out and protest tonight in West Haven! We need to show them this is not just a few people! Tell everyone you know. Please, I can’t take this any more. I am so upset over this whole thing, and will do anything I can to have it stopped!

On December 2, 2005, J. Jones wrote:

I find it frustrating that, in all the controversy over the plight of the monk parakeets, no one seems to want to raise a very important environmental issue that would solve all the problems—power outages, fires on poles, etc.—and doesn’t involve murder of any kind. In fact, it might preserve other lives. Namely, BURY THE POWER LINES!!!

The fruitcakes running UI are the most unenlightened dolts around, but it seems like the media, the politicians and even the protesters are right there in the dark with them. Come on, people. Above-ground power lines are a thing of the past and should be relegated to the dark ages. They’re an eyesore, they’re unhealthy for people and animals alike, and they are just as susceptible to inept drivers and the weather as they are to these harmless little birds.

FOA should get some of the other environmental groups that advocate burying power lines behind its crusade to save the parrots.

Pardon the pun, but this is a great opportunity to kill two birds with one stone: Save the parrots and the environment by burying the power lines.

On December 2, 2005, PO wrote:

I’m sure UI hired the guy on TV who said he hated the birds. Where is he?? Hunters who love to kill are probably in on this as well as ARE UI employees. Its all money I cannot see why we cannot just dismantle the nests ,let the birds fly away and have a group of people who will be in charge of monitoring the nests etc before they can rebuild on lines. They will eventually go somewhere else and in trees. No one has ever tried that. I have never seen such cruelty in my life. The guy they interviewed on TV on channel 4 who says he hates them, i hate to see what else he hates !!

On December 2, 2005, MJ wrote:

Just watched two reports on TV. There ARE people with other ideas and alternatives so these poor birds do not get gassed. Well I have to laugh. Al Carbone says they are working on it but will continue to kill the birds. Isn’t that the wrong approach? Stop killing them now and try other ideas rather than keep saying we are going to keep killing them until we find something”. Thats PURE garbage on Carbones part and whomever else agrees with him. It sure shows he wants these birds dead no matter what and thats his intentions. They are using stall tactics, so once he gets his birds killed, he’ll then say “Oh we may have found a solution.” He’s the criminal here. Ui etc, can stop this whenever they want .Federal Law has NOTHING to do with ANYTHING. Its just used as an excuse to kill.Native or not native makes no difference. Its all who knows who in this world and things can change right now if these people let it.

On December 2, 2005, Anne wrote:

My electric rates have been continualy going up. Thats all they care about money. Not life,not us, not the comfort of a peaceful neighborhood. Not our children being upset and having nightmares. Gov. Rell’s secetary said her children sleep fine. Well I’m not sleeping fine and neither are my kids because we live in West Haven.

On December 3, 2005, Tootsie wrote:

Monk parakeets aka Quaker parrots are on the CITES11 endangered species list. They should be protected at all costs, not exterminated. Sure, they should be free as nature intended,

On December 3, 2005, Storm Somers wrote:

Please put me on your list to be notified of any scheduled events or activities re:SAVING THE PARAKEETS. I missed a demonstration right in my own neighboorhood the other night.

THANK YOU,

Storm Somers

West Haven, CT

On December 3, 2005, thomas nolan wrote:

I find it unreal that the utility co. has a say in killing of beautiful and innocent creatures. They have been here for 40 yrs. and all of a sudden this company wants to kill them. There are alternatives. I would like to be active in any protests that might come up. Its like a Bush Policy, If you dont like it just kill it.

On December 3, 2005, DDAngelo wrote:

When I heard the news about our parakeets I visited the Audubon Society’s website to discover the celebration of its centennial year of protecting birds. I used that as my subject line to my email with the following message:

“Connecticut’s Department of Environmental Protection and the state’s Audubon Society, is reportedly targeting 103 nests throughout the state.


This is an outrage and I will never contribute to this society again, in fact, when these birds are destroyed here in my home town, I vow to campaign against the Audubon Society for their outstanding work here.”

I’m on board for any protests or action — including purchasing one share of UIL stock if absolutely necessary. They need to feel our pain — these birds are a great loss to our community.

Could someone enlighten me, please, on how UI took ownership of these amazing creatures? Where is it written that they have the right to do so? How is it that the birds belong to them anymore than they belong to us — that they should destroy what God has given to us all? I live in Milford (West Haven line near the beach) and feel it is a privilege to have these birds visit my feeder or spend time in our trees which is pretty regularly. UIL is stealing our birds and killing them — how is that not a crime?

If anyone needs my support, please contact me.

On December 3, 2005, BB wrote:

Thats the whole point. Federal law has nothing to do with this. UI, audubon society, DEP and others just took this in their own hands and decided to kill. Someone is allowing this and its all dirty politics. We all can see it and know it. UI etc are breaking animal cruelty laws as are others, who are letting this continue?? Who is paying for the cops to stand there while so called volunteers are doing this? UI customers will be paying for it and taxpayers. This issue will NEVER die down nor go away like UI and all the other abusers believe it will. Just so you know.Someone does have the power to stop this immediately so please do so. Stop this Cruelty. I thought cruelty to animals/wildlife is punishable by law. The people taking down these nests should be charged with cruelty.How come they are not? People pay the UI bill, people use the electricity. How come peoples voice on this means nothing to UI/others?

On December 3, 2005, PO wrote:

What about the birds in the trees, I suppose UI is going to start climbing trees as well? The birds will always exist as has been mentioned. This is not the answer and THERE ARE MORE HUMANE WAYS AND THEY (UI etc) KNOW IT. Why can’t you all get that through your head! Mr Carbone and others are just on a joyride of killing and gassing innocent birds. He’s criminal as are all the others involved . How come Connecticut is letting this happen? Open your eyes and Listen to the people!!!!

On December 3, 2005, Anne wrote:

I missed the demonstrations as well. There was one Friday night. I was actually driving around that night to find UI but did not see anyone. I have been searching for any info on the demonstrations but only find it after the fact. Where do I go to find this information. I will be out there just let me know.
Thank You,

Anne Ward

West Haven, CT

Blog editor’s note: Stay tuned to our blog for demonstration details. Also, join our e-mail alerts by writing admin@friendsofanimals.org and asking to be added to our alert list. We welcome Friends of Animals members a well. Join online on FoA’w Web site.Your support is put to work to defend parakeets and more. Stay tuned Monday for an announcement .

On December 3, 2005, Fran S. wrote:

I think Friday night’s protest/vigil was a great success. We got some media attention! A step forward! NO HOLIDAY LIGHTS for me this year and UI bills will be paid at the last minute - even if just to show my support.

On December 3, 2005, Karen Hujdic, Shelton wrote:

I just returned from the Washington Parkway area of Lordship, Stratford. That is where UI snuck off to last night to murder again. They knew we would be out in West Haven protesting, so they cowardly went to kill elsewhere.

Just yesterday, I went down to Lordship to visit the parakeets. Today, those very same nests have been gassed. There was one lone parakeet just outside one of the nests. He was probably mourning the loss of his family. Maybe he was lucky enough to get away, but they will come back for him, too. He seemed so sad. Just little squacks. I cried.

My purpose to head down there was to post some signs for making everyone aware of what is going on, and what they can do to help. They say “STOP UI’S KILLING OF PARAKEETS, NOW. CONTACT FRIENDS OF ANIMALS” Hoping they, too, join in to the protests, and sending letters. I would have put more, but putting them on Utility poles, though the ultimate insult, would probably be yanked by UI. There were very few places to post. If anyone else can make big signs and post them, please get the word out. Most people are really in the dark about all this, but we need to get them to STOP NOW. DON’T LET ANOTHER NIGHT OF KILLING HAPPEN!

On December 4, 2005, Elaine wrote:

I too, will not be putting up any Christmas lights. In addition, I am making sure that I am not wasting any electricity at home.
I will contact my Financial Planner regarding buy one share of stock.

Please count me in for any protests.

BLOG EDITOR’S NOTE; WE DO NOT ADVISE BUYING STOCK IN UI. PEOPLE MIGHT SELL OFF STOCK. THERE’S A MESSAGE IN THAT.

On December 4, 2005, Missy Brayton wrote:

The Mayor of Norwalk indicated he would never let this happen in his town with CLP - why are they letting this happen in West Haven, Milford and Stratford?

If these nests have been up for so many years why can’t they take a step back a little longer and listen to some options? Is this just about some macho power hungry idiot executive decisions that are too stubborn?

I too will not illuminate my home this year, and conscientiously reduce my electric consumption and encourage all of my friends and family to do the same.

We must speak for those without a voice and not give up on these beautiful innocent birds. Let’s start a massive petition. What If all of us start a petition and go to malls and stores and collect signatures to help?

On December 4, 2005, Anne wrote:

My house is dark too. I will not light my house either this year. I had already decided before I heard about others doing it. I was glad to hear that I am not alone. Great minds think alike. I feel like when I use my electricity I am helping UI. Not only are the commiting animal cruelity they are doing it at Christmas. Great for the kids and holiday cheer, huh! I have not seen my flock fly over lately and I am so worried I feel sick. How can they get away with this! It’s so clearly wrong! I hate UI. I wish I could get my power from someone else. I swear I would go without if I didn’t have kids.

On December 5, 2005, Michele wrote:

I live in Lorsdship and it is a disgrace to see the kiling of these beautiful birds. I invite our “new” Mayor Mr. Miron to get involved in the protest. I hear the mayor of Norwalk states he would never let this happen in his town, why is it happening in ours??? I wish we had other utility company options because I would drop UI today! Shame on them!!

On December 5, 2005, Anne wrote:

I just want to give a big THANK YOU to Friends of Animals for giving a voice to all the animals who cries seem to go unheard. The ones that are disposable to others. I also want to thank the others out there that answer to these cries. I really can’t stand to hear it when someone says humans have more rights because they are a higher being. All Gods creatures deserve respect. Together we can rise to the call.
Thanks,

Anne Ward

On December 5, 2005, Lori Nelsen wrote:

STOP the destruction of these poor birds. We have encroached in their world. We have made it difficult for them. We are the problem-not the birds.

On December 5, 2005, Pete wrote:

It was short-sighted of everyone on both sides of the issue not to address this problem before it comes to a head. With transformer fires occuring around nests, it should have been the cue to devise a strategy that would have encouraged utility cooperation before sides became polarized. Now that they’ve set out on their course of action, of course they’re going to stay the course, since their leverage depends on it. Chalk up another loss to political naivete.

In the future, starting with more sophisticated approaches than “big company = bad” will get much more done in the long run.

Blog editors’ note: Hindsight is 20-20 vision, they say; many local advocates were unaware that the company was not maintaing the poles. The company, big or not, was in the position to know. As a matter of public safety alone, it is important they change the way things are done. For that reason and for the parakeets, Friends of Animals will be in court. Thank you for writing in.

On December 5, 2005, HELEN BROWN wrote:

I was deeply upset about this story as I was driving to work with my husband. When I arrived at school, I told my 4th grade class about the monk parakeet’s plight. We want to write letters to the company and to whoever else we have to. This can’t be ignored. We must educate our young people as to the injustices these creatures, as well as all the others, have suffered unfairly by man. Please forward via my email address who we write to.
HELEN BROWN

Blog editor’s note: Helen, your e-mails should be sent to United Illuminatings’s Chair and CEO, Nathaniel Woodson. E-mail: nathaniel.woodson@uinet.com The company’s headquarters is in New Haven.

On December 5, 2005, MJ wrote:

I believe new “humane Laws and protection of animals and wildlife laws” need to be created. What gives UI, DEP, USDA.CT AUDUBON SOCIETY the right to to carry out killings of innocent animals/wildlife/ etc: What gives them the right to carry out animal/wildlife abuse. Who are they to say, we are going to kill these birds and these bears and these mute swans and deer and whatever else gets in their way or decide there are to many of. Whether or not these birds are native or not has Nothing to do with anything. Every animal/bird/bear/deer have a right to be protected and it should not be up to a bunch of animal/ haters to decide what lives and what dies. Whom do these people think they are? They do not listen to the people at all, refuse to try “humane” methods and they lie and say they did! We need new laws to protect and to come up with a solution and let the peoples voice way heavy . Killing/gassing first, without listening to the people nor trying to find a solution is ANIMAL CRUELTY AT THE HIGHEST DEGREE.Connecticut needs to set a president and stop the Monk Parakeet gassing and find better ways instead of letting these “certain” groups to play God and kill whatever they want whenever they want. THIS IS WRONG. We all need protection including the innocent animals/wildlife who have no one to defend them.We all know there BETTER WAYS but these killers of animals make up excuses and do not want to hear it, Shame on you!!

On December 5, 2005, Ronald Troia wrote:

I would like to respond to the blog editor’s comment about not advising anyone to purchase 1 share of UI stock. When I made that suggestion it was with the intent to create a problem for UI and it’s board of directors. You see if you own only a single share of stock, they still have to mail you the same prospetus and literature that the guy who owns 10,000 shares. Consequently, it costs them lots of money (profits) to administer and mail out all of the propaganda. I am employed by another Connecticut utility and several years ago they asked any of us who owned less than a hundred shares if we would sell them back to the company because we were costing them too much money to maintain!!!
I also found it can be effective to attend shareholders meetings and ask the leaders embarrassing questions all the while dining on their dollar. A very effective tool because that guy who owns 10,000 shares is very interested in what is happening to his investment.

At any rate, the idea to buy a single share of stock is just a suggestion and if FOA doesn’t agree it’s a good way to go, then so be it.

I am sure we all remain committed to ending this horrendous program.

On December 6, 2005, K. T. wrote:

My email bounced - not unexpected! Any one have any active emails maybe for the mayor and the City Council?

——-Original Message——-
Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 6:04 AM

To: CITY_COUNCIL@CITYOFWESTHAVEN.COM

Subject: What the world hears about City of West Haven - from Ottawa, Canada

I had never heard of the City of West Haven until reading my morning paper this morning. In going to your website to find an address for your Mayor there are no email addresses anywhere on your website - hmmm.

You try and put a positive message about your city on your website.

What I know about your city is again what I read in the paper this morning under the article title “….Parakeets rounded up, killed”. I was shocked and dissappointed that you need to resort to killing these animals. Do you think people who read this will want to visit your city? Why wouldn’t they? Do you think people have a reason to be upset about this? Hmmm? I hope your city gets the point before more of these beautiful birds are “rounded up, killed”.

I know that I won’t be thinking of City of West Haven as the city you try and depict on your website - many people including myself will associate your city as heartless. Not a beautiful place to live.

Kudos to Ms. Cook who tried to take a stand and was arrested as a result. Only a heartless city would do this.

I’m sure this isn’t the type of publicity your city would want but you can at least stop the “rounding up” and killing of the remainder of the birds and at least let people know that you have a little heart. (130 killed so far…and counting).

Ottawa, Canada

Blog editors’ note: Thank you for trying, K.T. Perhaps you and others who like your helpful sample could send a letter to the West Haven newspapers. See below:

WestHavenNews.com
The West Haven News covers West Haven and is published on Fridays.

Headquarters:

349 New Haven Ave.

P.O.Box 5339

Milford, CT 06460

Phone: (203) 876-6800
Fax: (203) 877-4772

Email: whavennews@ctcentral.com

West Haven Voice
http://www.whvoice.com/mambo/index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=3

On December 6, 2005, Allan M. Doyle wrote:

Greetings from Beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia I was wondering why the power company could not erect proper nesting posts for them nearby and somehow cover over the present power boxes as has been done for other nesting birds in other areas of North America by other power companies ? They are intelligent birds - more intelligent than the flighty types now making the decisions to kill these wonderful parakeets Allan M. Doyle