Queen guitarist Brian May opposes Windermere goose cull (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Queen guitarist Brian May opposes Windermere goose cull

3:11pm Monday 20th February 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Steven Bell, Senior Reporter

AN international rock star has joined a growing chorus of opposition to plans to cull hundreds of Canada Geese on Windermere.

Queen guitarist Brian May said the Lake District National Park Authority’s proposal ‘must be rescinded now’.

The star’s organisation, Save Me, campaigns for better treatment of animals and he spoke out strongly against the plans.

It comes as more than 2,200 people sign a petition against the cull, due to be handed to LDNPA bosses on Friday, and as opponents plan a protest demo in Bowness next month.

Campaigners say there is no evidence that geese pollute the lake - one of the main reasons the cull was proposed.

“The proposed cull of Canada Geese in Windermere is the latest in a string of bad decisions to perceived problems relating to wild animals,” said Mr May.

“The current climate of ignorance leads many people in authority, responding to the first complaint about an inconvenience or a loss in income, to reach for the gun.”

The LDNPA said it wanted to kill 200 of around 1,000 Canada Geese on the lake because the non-native birds eat landowners’ crops and their droppings impact on water quality.

National animal rights’ group, Animal Aid, said the real cause of pollution in the lake was sewage.

“We have to start realising that all sentient creatures are worthy of respect,” said Mr May.

“Just because a species is judged to be non-native is no justification for slaughtering innocent families of animals.

“Adopting a policy of killing immigrant individuals is unthinkable.”

Neil Ryding, who started the petition, said: “It breaks my heart to think of what the geese in Windermere will have to endure.

“I’m thrilled that so many people have spoken up in defence of these innocent birds. I just hope it’s enough to save them.”

Kate Fowler, head of campaigns at Animal Aid, said the cull was ‘unethical and unjustifiable’.

“The idea that the geese are responsible for phosphorus in the lake, when raw sewage is pumped into it, the fertiliser from a hundred farms runs into it, and detergents and dishwater tablets also end up in Windermere, is utterly implausible,” she said.

“Killing geese should be the last thing on their minds when they have such vast quantities of pollutants from traceable sources to clean up.”

Yvonne Pinnington, of Skipton, who co-ordinates the Save Windermere Canada Geese Facebook group, said the cull was ‘ridiculous’ and called on the LDNPA to listen to public opinion.

“There’s such a body of evidence that Canada Geese don’t cause this massive-scale pollution,” she said.

Kathy Musker, from Respect for Wildlife, said a protest demo against the plan would take place on March 10 at Bowness.

Comments(67)

lakesailor says...
2:18pm Tue 21 Feb 12

Tree-huggers descend on Bowness.
Rock Star (ex) has his say.
Dishwasher tablets the real enemy.
Campaign HQ in Skipton(?)

Have people nothing better to do?

What about all the ducks shot every year? You know. The perfectly legal duck shoots.

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Cas220 says...
2:35pm Tue 21 Feb 12

lakesailor wrote:
Tree-huggers descend on Bowness.
Rock Star (ex) has his say.
Dishwasher tablets the real enemy.
Campaign HQ in Skipton(?)

Have people nothing better to do?

What about all the ducks shot every year? You know. The perfectly legal duck shoots.

Animal Aid campaign tirelessly against any kind of hunting and animal cruelty and do a LOT to try and stop duck shoots. Just because it's not reported about in this story about the Windermere Geese doesn't mean it doesn't go on - maybe you should do your research before making petty comments. Hmm... lakesailor...I presume you have a boat on the lake that dredges up all of the crap the geese are being blamed for.

And tell me, what selfless thing do you do that is better than looking out for those among us who cannot stand up for themselves? In your opinion people may have 'better things to do' but these people have morals and care about the environment we live in and the creatures that share it with us.

You'll also find that Brian May is still a rock star and still performs regularly - as I said you might find doing research before naysaying helpful next time.

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lakesailor says...
11:44am Wed 22 Feb 12

You appear to have mistaken me for someone who campaigns tirelessly, endlessly and selflessly for lost causes.
Your rather superior "these people have morals " comment suggest that you think I have no morals.
Shame on you. You know nothing about me.

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Mrs A Bath says...
4:09pm Wed 22 Feb 12

What Cas220 does is not "selfless", minding your own business is. This anthropomorphic nonsense is peddled by a few very vocal fanatics. If you want to campaign for something that is truly selfish and destructive - campaign to get rid of domestic cats.

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survivior says...
9:51pm Wed 22 Feb 12

Why do they not campaign against killing rats? Or is it just what suits?

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henryalex says...
11:43pm Wed 22 Feb 12

People are campaigning about the proposed cull of Canada Geese because it has been proved that it is unnecessary. The LDNPA said it was because of water quality but have now admitted that they have no evidence that the geese affect water quality. Scientific evidence shows that they do not pollute water. What scientific evidence does prove is that levels of e coli in Windermere have increased due to increased release of sewage.

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save windermere geese says...
10:13am Thu 23 Feb 12

Hi lakes sailor the HQ for the campaign is in Windermere not in skipton.
Yvonne is from skipton so please get your facts right .

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Cas220 says...
11:58am Thu 23 Feb 12

Mrs A Bath - really not sure why you would want to campaign AGAINST pets...we are a group of animal lovers and do campaign against any kind of animal. We also don't approve of the killing of rats...rats are amazing and unjustly persecuted creatures.

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TwoHat says...
2:14pm Thu 23 Feb 12

You are probably the same group who broke into fur farms and released mink into the environment years ago, causing untold ecological damage . . .

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Roysyboy says...
4:35pm Thu 23 Feb 12

Canadian Goose doesn't like Brian May's guitar-work!

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henryalex says...
6:11pm Thu 23 Feb 12

It is a poor way to have an informed discussion to suggest that everyone who cares about animal welfare belongs to the same group of animal rights activists who released mink. There are millions of people who care about animal welfare. The strategies being used to protest about the proposed cull are all legal.

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Hugh G. Rection says...
10:51am Fri 24 Feb 12

For many years, I have been campaigning tirelessly on behalf of the poodle that resides on the head of Queen guitarist Brian May.

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Pinnington1 says...
11:20am Fri 24 Feb 12

Hi . . Yvonne here. Can I just point out that I am originally from Kendal and now live in the Skipton area for work purposes. As for lakesailor and a couple of other comments . . why are there always morons like this who label people who care about animals as extremists, "tree huggers" etc and say that we have nothing better to do. Clearly they are the ones with nothing better to do, other than add churlish comments to sites such as these.

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Mrs A Bath says...
10:15am Sat 25 Feb 12

Cas220, a cat is a pet to some, but objective people know they are a menace to nature, voles, mice, song birds and I've seen them kill slow worms too. Unjustifiable. As for the geese, if enough people want the geese numbers managed, that's completely justifiable, they are only geese after all. Perhaps if they were then used to feed people in need it would be harder for the irrational to be so silly...

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lakesailor says...
12:51pm Sat 25 Feb 12

Pinnington1 wrote:
Hi . . Yvonne here. Can I just point out that I am originally from Kendal and now live in the Skipton area for work purposes. As for lakesailor and a couple of other comments . . why are there always morons like this who label people who care about animals as extremists, "tree huggers" etc and say that we have nothing better to do. Clearly they are the ones with nothing better to do, other than add churlish comments to sites such as these.

Bit harsh.

I merely summarised the state of play.
I can't see why because someone who was famous in the pop industry gets involved it effects in any way the need for a cull. Is his opinion worth more than anyone else's?

I don't see what dishwasher tablets have to do with goose droppings in meadows.

I merely asked if the HQ for the campaign was in Skipton (the clue was the question mark)

"Tree-huggers" is a generic shorthand for conservation campaigners.

However, a Moron is
" a person with a mental age between 8 and 12"

I have been accused of being a moron and of having no morals so far.

Do you think these outbursts mark you as reasonable and caring?

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J_Slocum says...
6:24pm Sat 25 Feb 12

With so many good local deli's is it not shortsighted to shoot these geese when they make such excellent pate?

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cronin says...
7:03pm Sat 25 Feb 12

I'm surprised that so many people have criticised lakesailor just because he has a different opinion. Whatever happened to free speech? I reckon Canada Geese are a menace and they should shoot the whole 1000, not just 200.

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Tommyrot says...
7:47pm Sat 25 Feb 12

Hugh G. Rection wrote:
For many years, I have been campaigning tirelessly on behalf of the poodle that resides on the head of Queen guitarist Brian May.

I have a slightly different viewpoint, and firmly believe that a cull of Poodles on rock star heads would bring a little credibility to their opinions.
Aiming low could, of course, kill two "birds" with one stone...

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Tommyrot says...
7:54pm Sat 25 Feb 12

"Yvonne Pinnington, of Skipton, who co-ordinates the Save Windermere Canada Geese Facebook group"

This does make it sound like she is an important player in this little event.

Just had a look on Facebook, seems that Yvonne is badly in need of support.
She has none!

https://www.facebook
.com/pages/Stop-the-
Slaughter-of-Geese-o
n-Windermere/2304895
43704834

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PieWoman says...
9:50pm Sat 25 Feb 12

Brian May - exceptional guitarist maybe, but he holds no more clout than anyone else on how best to cull geese.

But maybe we should take a hint from some Queen songtitles;
"spread your wings "
"Ride the Wild Wind"
"Another One Bites the Dust"
"Killer Queen"
"Misfire"
"Death on two legs"
"Dead on time"
"The Hitman"
"Escape from the swap"
"Action this day"
"Man on the prowl"
"Who Wants to Live Forever"
"Don't Lose Your Head"
"All dead, all dead"

PieWoman

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A Moron says...
9:52pm Sat 25 Feb 12

lakesailor wrote:

Pinnington1 wrote:
Hi . . Yvonne here. Can I just point out that I am originally from Kendal and now live in the Skipton area for work purposes. As for lakesailor and a couple of other comments . . why are there always morons like this who label people who care about animals as extremists, "tree huggers" etc and say that we have nothing better to do. Clearly they are the ones with nothing better to do, other than add churlish comments to sites such as these.
Bit harsh.

I merely summarised the state of play.
I can't see why because someone who was famous in the pop industry gets involved it effects in any way the need for a cull. Is his opinion worth more than anyone else's?

I don't see what dishwasher tablets have to do with goose droppings in meadows.

I merely asked if the HQ for the campaign was in Skipton (the clue was the question mark)

"Tree-huggers" is a generic shorthand for conservation campaigners.

However, a Moron is
" a person with a mental age between 8 and 12"

I have been accused of being a moron and of having no morals so far.

Do you think these outbursts mark you as reasonable and caring?

I take exception to that characterisation.

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lakesailor says...
12:26am Sun 26 Feb 12

PieWoman wrote:
Brian May - exceptional guitarist maybe, but he holds no more clout than anyone else on how best to cull geese.

But maybe we should take a hint from some Queen songtitles;
"spread your wings "
"Ride the Wild Wind"
"Another One Bites the Dust"
"Killer Queen"
"Misfire"
"Death on two legs"
"Dead on time"
"The Hitman"
"Escape from the swap"
"Action this day"
"Man on the prowl"
"Who Wants to Live Forever"
"Don't Lose Your Head"
"All dead, all dead"

PieWoman

Maybe we should take a hint from Stafford County Council who have a lot more relevance to geese overpopulation than an ex-rock star.
http://www.thisissta
ffordshire.co.uk/Tho
usands-geese-culled-
city-parks/story-143
03120-detail/story.h
tml

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henryalex says...
11:11am Sun 26 Feb 12

Stratford-upon-Avon has managed to reduce its numbers of geese from 700 to 100 in less than three years through humane management. In 2007 they held an international conference to impart their experiences. The LDNPA have had 5 years to implement these strategies effectively but obviously don't have the patience and initiative of Stratford upon Avon.In collaboration with Warwickshire College’s Wildlife Management Programme about 30 nests containing 157 eggs were identified in early 2005. An open umbrella was used to persuade any adult geese near the nests to move away. A float test was used to check which eggs had started to incubate and these were returned to the nest and left to hatch. The remainder – about 134 – were oiled to prevent hatching. This reduced the potential number of adult geese by about 80. The programme continued during 2006.
Sheep Dogs were used.

Wildlife quickly learn to associate potential danger with certain colour combinations and geese recognise black and yellow as a threat. Sheep dogs, which herd animals, but do not bite them, were dressed in yellow flotation jackets, put on leads and accompanied by handlers, were used to chase the geese into the river and then slowly herd them in a boat.

The geese quickly begin to recognise the yellow jacketed dogs as predators and fly back to their own nesting sites.

No geese were touched or harmed during the herding and the other waterfowl ignored the dogs and the boat. The initial herding was followed by a gentle maintenance regime of patrolling the river with dogs in boats -- 2-3 days per week for 1-2 hours at a time.
Responsible riverside vendors now sell packets of floating wheat discs (which do no harm to any waterfowl) instead of stale white bread (which causes angel wing). The packets contain a leaflet explaining how white bread leads to Angel Wing and it also asks residents and visitors not to feed the Canada Geese. The programme has been fully supported by the RSPCA who have monitored the herding and confirmed that there is no uncontrolled harassment of waterfowl on the river.

Stratford-upon-Avon has managed to reduce its numbers of geese from 700 to 100 in less than three years through humane management. In 2007 they held an international conference to impart their experiences. The LDNPA have had 5 years to implement these strategies effectively but obviously don't have the patience and initiative of Stratford upon Avon.In collaboration with Warwickshire College’s Wildlife Management Programme about 30 nests containing 157 eggs were identified in early 2005. An open umbrella was used to persuade any adult geese near the nests to move away. A float test was used to check which eggs had started to incubate and these were returned to the nest and left to hatch. The remainder – about 134 – were oiled to prevent hatching. This reduced the potential number of adult geese by about 80. The programme continued during 2006. Sheep Dogs were used. Wildlife quickly learn to associate potential danger with certain colour combinations and geese recognise black and yellow as a threat. Sheep dogs, which herd animals, but do not bite them, were dressed in yellow flotation jackets, put on leads and accompanied by handlers, were used to chase the geese into the river and then slowly herd them in a boat. The geese quickly begin to recognise the yellow jacketed dogs as predators and fly back to their own nesting sites. No geese were touched or harmed during the herding and the other waterfowl ignored the dogs and the boat. The initial herding was followed by a gentle maintenance regime of patrolling the river with dogs in boats -- 2-3 days per week for 1-2 hours at a time. Responsible riverside vendors now sell packets of floating wheat discs (which do no harm to any waterfowl) instead of stale white bread (which causes angel wing). The packets contain a leaflet explaining how white bread leads to Angel Wing and it also asks residents and visitors not to feed the Canada Geese. The programme has been fully supported by the RSPCA who have monitored the herding and confirmed that there is no uncontrolled harassment of waterfowl on the river. henryalex

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lakesailor says...
12:13pm Sun 26 Feb 12

Stafford Council:
"council contractors removed 9,351 eggs from nests at more than seven sites during 2010 and 2011 and shot a further 1,929 geese.

The culls – which cost taxpayers £17,441 – are carried out "to protect native species".

Councillor Janine Bridges, cabinet member for city services, said: "British Canadian geese, unlike true native Canadian geese, are not migratory and remain on a body of water for life at the expense of the native British wildlife which, if not protected, will be eradicated or seriously depleted.

"Canadian geese need to eat large quantities of vegetation and as a consequence produce a large number of droppings which contain bacteria and are unsightly on paths and other areas of the parks.

"The council has a duty of care for all visitors and we must be proactive in our management of geese populations to ensure they remain at a level where the benefits they present in providing an added attraction to visitors outweigh the problems they bring.

"All preventative measures are also undertaken, including educating the public regarding feeding, habitat management and erecting geese-proof fencing."

They can oil the eggs, shoot the geese, whatever. I would just like to have less geese. I don't want them eradicated, just controlled.

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henryalex says...
1:19pm Sun 26 Feb 12

lakesailor you fail to also report on the public outcry and distress about this :

The Sentinel reported last month how residents were horrified when they were woken by the killing of geese in Longton Park, just after 5am.

Cassie Fletcher's home in Queens Park Avenue, Dresden, overlooks the park. The 47-year-old Animal Lifeline volunteer, pictured, is horrified at the number of geese being killed.

She said: "Shooting is not a humane way of killing them. I was there and witnessed first-hand how the geese reacted to it. I saw them fleeing for their lives. They were coming through the hedge and trying to get out onto the road, which they never usually do.

"I know the geese have to be controlled, but it should be done through egg-addling. If the eggs are just taken away then the mother will just lay another, but addling is some kind of process where the egg is made infertile.

"This would be much more humane. It is unfair to allow the geese to enter the world and grow up, only to then go on and shoot them."

To: Chief Executive, Stoke-on-Trent City Council,

Dear Mr Laarschott,

I am writing to you with regards to the recent decision to murder the Canadian Wild Geese, residing at Queens Park (Longton Park) in my ward last week.

I want to share and express my outrage at this act. I have been inundated with local residents – adults and children – who are very, very angry with the council and also extremely upset.

Whilst I do understand there may be issues with these geese, as one of the local councillors for the area, I was not made aware of this action or consulted prior to the decision, which I find totally unacceptable, as I am now being blamed or associated with murder.

Were the local Queens Park Partnership made aware of this proposed action?

I along with many local residents have put considerable time and effort into improving this park, surely it would have been appropriate for us to be consulted.

There is often a trade off with wildlife in an urban setting and I think many local residents would have gladly accepted the small amount of damage the geese cause, for the pleasure and added natural value they gave to this valuable and well used park.

It seems considerably more insensitive and heartless to take this action at a time when there where many young geese about, how many have got no parents now due to this reckless act of murder?

I know that this authority in the past and many others control geese by moving them – why wasn’t this considered as a more humane solution?

The person that made this decision without any regarding for the local community or its representatives should be held to account, and I think ought to be sacked.

I would like a full explanation of how this decision was made, by whom, and an assurance that it will never happen again.

Yours

Cllr Mike Barnes

lakesailor you fail to also report on the public outcry and distress about this : The Sentinel reported last month how residents were horrified when they were woken by the killing of geese in Longton Park, just after 5am. Cassie Fletcher's home in Queens Park Avenue, Dresden, overlooks the park. The 47-year-old Animal Lifeline volunteer, pictured, is horrified at the number of geese being killed. She said: "Shooting is not a humane way of killing them. I was there and witnessed first-hand how the geese reacted to it. I saw them fleeing for their lives. They were coming through the hedge and trying to get out onto the road, which they never usually do. "I know the geese have to be controlled, but it should be done through egg-addling. If the eggs are just taken away then the mother will just lay another, but addling is some kind of process where the egg is made infertile. "This would be much more humane. It is unfair to allow the geese to enter the world and grow up, only to then go on and shoot them." To: Chief Executive, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Dear Mr Laarschott, I am writing to you with regards to the recent decision to murder the Canadian Wild Geese, residing at Queens Park (Longton Park) in my ward last week. I want to share and express my outrage at this act. I have been inundated with local residents – adults and children – who are very, very angry with the council and also extremely upset. Whilst I do understand there may be issues with these geese, as one of the local councillors for the area, I was not made aware of this action or consulted prior to the decision, which I find totally unacceptable, as I am now being blamed or associated with murder. Were the local Queens Park Partnership made aware of this proposed action? I along with many local residents have put considerable time and effort into improving this park, surely it would have been appropriate for us to be consulted. There is often a trade off with wildlife in an urban setting and I think many local residents would have gladly accepted the small amount of damage the geese cause, for the pleasure and added natural value they gave to this valuable and well used park. It seems considerably more insensitive and heartless to take this action at a time when there where many young geese about, how many have got no parents now due to this reckless act of murder? I know that this authority in the past and many others control geese by moving them – why wasn’t this considered as a more humane solution? The person that made this decision without any regarding for the local community or its representatives should be held to account, and I think ought to be sacked. I would like a full explanation of how this decision was made, by whom, and an assurance that it will never happen again. Yours Cllr Mike Barnes henryalex

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J_Slocum says...
5:28pm Sun 26 Feb 12

You can't 'murder' geese.

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cronin says...
7:37pm Sun 26 Feb 12

J_Slocum wrote:
You can't 'murder' geese.

You can have a good try, though...

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Mrs A Bath says...
7:39pm Sun 26 Feb 12

No you can't! And more to the point a "murder" is the collective name for a collection of crows. Wonderfully ironic. All this care for animals is desperately expensive, and we, as a society, really need to get priorities in order, they are Canadian geese, if you don't like the idea of managing the numbers - pay to get them repatriated! And get rid of domestic cats you needy selfish people.

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henryalex says...
9:02pm Sun 26 Feb 12

Phoenician cargo ships brought the first domesticated cats to England in about 900 BC. Geese have been in the UK since the 1600s. They have much right to be here as you Mrs Bath.

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Tommyrot says...
9:47pm Sun 26 Feb 12

Geese don't have rights.

On the subject of irony, "Kate Fowler, head of campaigns at Animal Aid".

Not living up to her name....

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twitchy says...
12:42am Mon 27 Feb 12

Its interesting how a cause like the Canada Geese bring out the Neanderthal cave trolls with the "bonk 'em on the head mentality".
There is no justification for killing healthy wild Geese when they could be managed by non lethal methods, and there is doubt as to the need to reduce the numbers anyway.
The number of Canada Geese on Lake Windermere is yet to be cofirmed and is reckoned to be much less than numbers quoted by the LDNPA.

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twitchy says...
12:53am Mon 27 Feb 12

Tommyrot wrote:
Geese don't have rights.

On the subject of irony, "Kate Fowler, head of campaigns at Animal Aid".

Not living up to her name....

And you living up to yours lol!

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twitchy says...
1:04am Mon 27 Feb 12

Hugh G. Rection wrote:
For many years, I have been campaigning tirelessly on behalf of the poodle that resides on the head of Queen guitarist Brian May.

Instead of the one residing in yours!

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twitchy says...
1:08am Mon 27 Feb 12

lakesailor wrote:
You appear to have mistaken me for someone who campaigns tirelessly, endlessly and selflessly for lost causes.
Your rather superior "these people have morals " comment suggest that you think I have no morals.
Shame on you. You know nothing about me.

No she mistook you for a human being!

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twitchy says...
1:15am Mon 27 Feb 12

Mrs A Bath wrote:
No you can't! And more to the point a "murder" is the collective name for a collection of crows. Wonderfully ironic. All this care for animals is desperately expensive, and we, as a society, really need to get priorities in order, they are Canadian geese, if you don't like the idea of managing the numbers - pay to get them repatriated! And get rid of domestic cats you needy selfish people.

Cats could be useful to you cleaning up meat scraps in your troll cave!

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twitchy says...
1:17am Mon 27 Feb 12

TwoHat wrote:
You are probably the same group who broke into fur farms and released mink into the environment years ago, causing untold ecological damage . . .

Nope didn't do that

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twitchy says...
1:20am Mon 27 Feb 12

Roysyboy wrote:
Canadian Goose doesn't like Brian May's guitar-work!

The one I asked loved it-try asking more than one!

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twitchy says...
1:25am Mon 27 Feb 12

cronin wrote:
I'm surprised that so many people have criticised lakesailor just because he has a different opinion. Whatever happened to free speech? I reckon Canada Geese are a menace and they should shoot the whole 1000, not just 200.

I think he started it!

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Tommyrot says...
6:09am Mon 27 Feb 12

Twitchy, looks like your name is spot on as well!

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Mrs A Bath says...
10:16am Mon 27 Feb 12

As if to prove the point I made in my first post "anthropomorphic nonsense peddled by a few very vocal fanatics", twitchy has tried to shout down everyone who agrees with managing the geese, resorted to name calling (rather pathetic) and failed to recognise the difference between animals and people. Brilliant. Well done.

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Hugh G. Rection says...
10:44am Mon 27 Feb 12

twitchy wrote:

Hugh G. Rection wrote:
For many years, I have been campaigning tirelessly on behalf of the poodle that resides on the head of Queen guitarist Brian May.
Instead of the one residing in yours!

Nice comeback.
Your incisive wit cuts like a knife.
Perhaps you were Oscar Wilde in a former life ?

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lakesailor says...
12:23pm Mon 27 Feb 12

Twitchy has started showing the signs of having run out of any sensible argument. He (or she) is just abusing the posters now.

Did any of you bleeding hearts watch Countryfile in which they showed the chicken sheds and the factory that "processes" 1.5 million chickens per week?
Or don't chickens have the same rights as a few geese?

Get some perspective for heavens sake.

Nobody or creature or plant has any "right" to be here. We all just exist the best we can.
For the record I am also not in the slightest bit interested in rare orchids on limestone pavements or bats.

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henryalex says...
6:25pm Mon 27 Feb 12

Geese do have rights. They are and their eggs are protected by both British and European legislation.

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twitchy says...
8:54pm Mon 27 Feb 12

lakesailor wrote:
Twitchy has started showing the signs of having run out of any sensible argument. He (or she) is just abusing the posters now.

Did any of you bleeding hearts watch Countryfile in which they showed the chicken sheds and the factory that "processes" 1.5 million chickens per week?
Or don't chickens have the same rights as a few geese?

Get some perspective for heavens sake.

Nobody or creature or plant has any "right" to be here. We all just exist the best we can.
For the record I am also not in the slightest bit interested in rare orchids on limestone pavements or bats.

No I'm running out of sensible people to debate with though. As for abuse-there have been numerous adverse comments on posters who are in support of the cause- including Brian May!

Just in case points have been missed along the way and at the risk of repeating myself:
1. If Brian May wants to support the "Save the Geese" cause and use his status to headline the campaign then that is entirely up to him and his considerable musical talent is inconsequential.

2.The Canada Geese have a right to life and to be treated humanely as do Chickens farmed for eggs and meat.

3.If the numbers of Geese need to be controlled then this should be done by non lethal methods-only.

All Mrs Bigots-sorry! I mean Baths comment about "repatriating the Geese" and "getting rid of domestic cats"does is serve to highlight the lack of reasoning and desperation in those who have already lost the arguement.

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Tommyrot says...
9:12pm Mon 27 Feb 12

Twitchy.

1) Fair comment, although some of us are less impressed with his talent.

2)Treated humanely, yes, including being killed humanely.

Right to life? Who grants this? Is there any legislation?

3)In your opinion.

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Tommyrot says...
9:14pm Mon 27 Feb 12

henryalex wrote:
Geese do have rights. They are and their eggs are protected by both British and European legislation.

If that's true, I suggest reporting Stoke-on-Trent City Council to the relevant authorities.

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henryalex says...
9:25pm Mon 27 Feb 12

They have to apply for a special license to remove eggs and kill the birds. This is what the LDNPA were proposing to apply for.

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Tommyrot says...
10:09pm Mon 27 Feb 12

So they are protected unless they are deemed to be a pest.

Not really protected at all then.

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J_Slocum says...
10:30pm Mon 27 Feb 12

If geese have rights then they should accept responsibilities. Are they dead yet?

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lakesailor says...
11:49pm Mon 27 Feb 12

Don't know. I heard some shotguns after midnight on Saturday.
Maybe Brian May was out lamping.

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twitchy says...
12:01am Tue 28 Feb 12

lakesailor wrote:
Don't know. I heard some shotguns after midnight on Saturday.
Maybe Brian May was out lamping.

Was Slocum and Tommyrot shooting themselves in the foot!

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Tommyrot says...
7:44am Tue 28 Feb 12

twitchy wrote:

lakesailor wrote:
Twitchy has started showing the signs of having run out of any sensible argument. He (or she) is just abusing the posters now.

Did any of you bleeding hearts watch Countryfile in which they showed the chicken sheds and the factory that "processes" 1.5 million chickens per week?
Or don't chickens have the same rights as a few geese?

Get some perspective for heavens sake.

Nobody or creature or plant has any "right" to be here. We all just exist the best we can.
For the record I am also not in the slightest bit interested in rare orchids on limestone pavements or bats.
No I'm running out of sensible people to debate with though. As for abuse-there have been numerous adverse comments on posters who are in support of the cause- including Brian May!

Just in case points have been missed along the way and at the risk of repeating myself:
1. If Brian May wants to support the "Save the Geese" cause and use his status to headline the campaign then that is entirely up to him and his considerable musical talent is inconsequential.

2.The Canada Geese have a right to life and to be treated humanely as do Chickens farmed for eggs and meat.

3.If the numbers of Geese need to be controlled then this should be done by non lethal methods-only.

All Mrs Bigots-sorry! I mean Baths comment about "repatriating the Geese" and "getting rid of domestic cats"does is serve to highlight the lack of reasoning and desperation in those who have already lost the arguement.

I see Twitchy is back to normal....

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Mrs A Bath says...
11:28am Tue 28 Feb 12

I think Twitchy could be taking this personally, which doesn't lend itself to rational argument or reason. The point I'm making with cats is this: If Geese (or cats as some have insisted) have the same rights as people, as the "activists" argue, then domestic cat's would be guilty, using the same logic, of indescriminate killing/murder (and for pleasure) - and the owners of harbouring a criminal and various other associated crimes. And the geece would be guilty of gross indecency (defacating in public), trespass and possibly theft. Utter nonsense. They are Geese, let the park manage them. Your arguments for doing nothing are impossible, where do you stop? Should we still kill wasps?

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PieWoman says...
12:07pm Tue 28 Feb 12

Animals do not have rights*.

Humans have rights, and with those rights come responsibilities. One of our responsibilities is to protect the natural environment and natural habitats for the benefit of future generations of humans.

In my opinion, this responsibility requires us to cull the Canadian Geese humanely in order to protect the natural environment and the habitats of native species in and around Windermere.

Its as simple as that (in my opinion).

Pie Woman
* animal rights are a personal view based on an ethical stance.

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J_Slocum says...
1:13pm Tue 28 Feb 12

Perhaps these geese could play a part in the menu for a street party to celebrate the Jubilee?

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Monkeysrock says...
8:58pm Tue 28 Feb 12

Action groups who use distant celebrities to support their campaigns are pathetic! If you had a campaign with substantial support it would naturally find its momentum.

.....and why do the gazette think we care what Mr May thinks? Just report the facts and local opinions without being star struck journalists!

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lakesailor says...
12:04am Wed 29 Feb 12

The Gazette are now censoring this thread as it has way more comments than the current "Most Commented" thread on their front page list.
I'm seeing some less than impartial journalism here......

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twitchy says...
12:27am Wed 29 Feb 12

Monkeysrock wrote:
Action groups who use distant celebrities to support their campaigns are pathetic! If you had a campaign with substantial support it would naturally find its momentum.

.....and why do the gazette think we care what Mr May thinks? Just report the facts and local opinions without being star struck journalists!

Brian May is a campaigner in his own right, he is not being "used"by anyone and the support is national so the Gazette are right to reflect this.

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Tommyrot says...
5:51am Wed 29 Feb 12

As stated on the front page. Most commented. "Morecambe Bay Hospitals Trust boss steps down (38)"

This article (before my post) (58).

I object to this deception.

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lakesailor says...
9:29am Wed 29 Feb 12

twitchy wrote:

Monkeysrock wrote:
Action groups who use distant celebrities to support their campaigns are pathetic! If you had a campaign with substantial support it would naturally find its momentum.

.....and why do the gazette think we care what Mr May thinks? Just report the facts and local opinions without being star struck journalists!
Brian May is a campaigner in his own right, he is not being "used"by anyone and the support is national so the Gazette are right to reflect this.

And so why don't we see a plethora of headlines about "Skilled welder, Dean Merryweather opposes Goose Cull"?
Because Dean is a no-body and Brian May has a bit of celebrity status.
You may be naive but don't expect the rest of us to be.

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lakesailor says...
9:33am Wed 29 Feb 12

I expect the reason that the thread has been dropped from the Most Commented column will be that it was last-week story and if they didn't cull them (see what I did there) there would be ancient but popular threads still in the list.
Just to get in before anyone else, you understand

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Mrs A Bath says...
6:38pm Wed 29 Feb 12

Well, sometimes you just have to accept your fate! I'll let the geese know that's how real life rolls. Bon voyage all, well done lakesailor et al

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Tommyrot says...
7:03pm Wed 29 Feb 12

Cheers Mrs A. I might even change to eating Goose this Christmas.....

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twitchy says...
7:16pm Wed 29 Feb 12

Amazing!Now the Gazette is under attack......is anyone safe?
I posted on here to have a sensible debate on the proposed cull of Canada Geese not to debate the Editorial rights and wrongs of the Westmorland Gazette which I think is an excellent local newspaper.

You will be turning on one another next!

I hope to return on another thread once numerous demonstrations have driven all the tourists away.

So for now many thanks to all who have posted-and special thanks to the Cave Trolls you have confirmed my belief in humanities lack of humanity.

In the words of Vinnie Jones (name dropping again).....its been emotional!!

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twitchy says...
7:19pm Wed 29 Feb 12

Tommyrot wrote:
Cheers Mrs A. I might even change to eating Goose this Christmas.....

Choke on it Tommy!

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Tommyrot says...
8:20pm Wed 29 Feb 12

Nice to have chatted with you too Twitchy.

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Mrs A Bath says...
2:02pm Thu 1 Mar 12

I've linked this thread to the new article today in my comment, not sure if it will work, but Twitchy has already commented on the new article, (seemingly oblivious to the nonsense he/she has spouted on this thread) - so the readers of the new article can get to see the real Twitchy here should they follow the advice given.

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Queen guitarist Brian May opposes Windermere goose cull (From The Westmorland Gazette)

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Queen guitarist Brian May opposes Windermere goose cull

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