BILL NUMBER:S2600

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in
relation to regulating the removal of turkeys and geese from a
locality

PURPOSE:

This bill regulates the means in which wild geese can be removed from
a locality using humane alternatives to execution.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. The environmental conservation law is amended by adding a
new section 11-0541 to read as follows:

§ 11-0541. Turkeys and Geese.

1. Prior to authorizing the removal of turkeys or geese from a
locality to be determined by the locality. At least 10 days before the
hearing, notice must be advertised in a newspaper published in each
county affected. The notice will provide the subject of such hearing
and the proposed disposition of the turkeys or geese.

2.The department will strictly limit the number of permits issued for
the removal of turkeys and geese while also providing information
              

offering humane alternatives to the execution of said turkeys and
geese.

3. The department shall not donate turkeys or geese for human
consumption.

§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

EXISTING LAW:

Current state law does not include the above requirements

JUSTIFICATION:

It is apparent that Canadian Geese are being seen in many
neighborhoods around the state. They have been encroaching on urban
lands without any fear of being harmed for the past 50 Years.
Although these birds may be a nuisance to some people, many people
believe the general public should be given an opportunity to voice
their opinions and concerns prior to removal of these birds. This bill
simply put, does exactly that. People are given an opportunity to go
to a public hearing and voice their opinions. The Department of
Conservation will then, and only then, provide the permits while also
offering nonlethal alternatives that may perhaps be used in the
removal of these birds. Finally, although many sportsmen hunt these
birds for consumption, he/she will do it specifically for consumption
and on an individual basis. Besides the health issues that may arise,
this removal process is not intended for the same purpose. Therefore
the carcasses of any bird killed in this removal process will not be
allowed to be sold for human consumption.


LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

02/21/14 (Latimer) REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
03/03/14 (Thiele) referred to environmental conservation

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

This act shall take effect immediately.