But again, the proper permits may be required
To the Expositor:
After reading the article in the paper about the trouble a local farmer is having with geese and cranes eating crops (‘Battle lines drawn: birds v. farmers, September 2, Page 1), it came to mind that there is an alternative that would satisfy both the farmers and the wildlife protection people.
Geese are a nuisance both to farmers and also to the general public when they want to access the parks and playgrounds. The local public parks beaches are covered with goose droppings making it very unpleasant for children and adults to walk without stepping in an unpleasant mess. The poop and scoop bylaw does nothing to lesson the bacteria present in goose droppings.
There are several business dealing with this problem using dogs, primarily border collies, to chase the birds from golf courses, businesses public parks and airports. The way it works is that the birds are chased continually for several days. They then leave and do not return for some time as they feel that the predation in that area is too great so you do not have to have a constant dog patrol. Perhaps the local authority could join with farmers in hiring dogs to chase the geese.
Sincerely,
Nancy Milburn
Dog Logic
PS: To see how it works watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nWuWfWx7PU.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act protection of property rules require an authorization from the ministry (of Natural Resources and Forestry) before harassing or removing deer. The use of dogs is generally not permitted during authorized deer harassment/removal activities.
The Migratory Birds Convention Act also requires a permit (from Environment Canada) before a person can harass geese, ducks or other migratory birds.
However, dogs must be kept under control at all times and no geese may be injured or killed as this constitutes a violation of the Migratory Birds Regulations. Dogs that are trained to chase and retrieve a dummy decoy or ball projected toward or over a problem flock or herding dogs (such as border collies) can safely be used to scare geese away in some areas.
