In the past, Edgewater council members have complained that geese inundate the local marina and parks.
Canadian Geese in Edgewater. (File photo) EDGEWATER -- The borough's plan this year to round up large numbers of geese and gas them to death is drawing criticism from across New Jersey.
For the fourth year, the borough council has contracted with the U.S. Department of Agriculture "for capture and euthanasia of Canadian Geese." The plan involves gassing the geese to death with carbon dioxide during late spring or early summer.
Last Saturday, the League of Humane Voters - which lobbies for animal-friendly laws - held a "Geese Protest" on River Road.
On Monday, protesters spoke against the gassing of geese during a meeting of the mayor and council.
And the Animal Protection League of N.J. is planning a protest on May 28 in Edgewater Commons.
In the past, Edgewater council members have complained that geese inundate the local marina and parks, preventing residents and children from enjoying the facilities.
"Canadian Geese result in the accumulation of feces that create a nuisance and human health concerns, grazing and destroying lawns, aggressive behavior jeopardizing human safety, traffic hazards on roadways, aviation hazards, and the reduction in the quality of life to Edgewater residents," the borough stated in an ordinance passed last year.
The protesters are urging the council to consider more humane methods of reducing the geese population, including habitat modification, enforcing laws that prohibit the public from feeding the animals and using noise or other devices to scare the geese away.
An online petition demands that the council break its contract with the USDA and instead employ "effective nonlethal, humane methods" to reduce the numbers.
"The capture, gassing, and killing of Canada geese is not effective at solving geese conflicts and any reduction in the population is temporary," states a letter included with a petition on Change.org.
"The League of Humane Voters of NJ and other organizations are willing to work with the town council to educate residents, property owners, and management companies about how to humanely and effectively solve geese conflicts."
The letter is addressed to Edgewater Mayor Michael J. McPartland and members of the council.
The mayor did not immediately respond to phone messages and an email seeking comment. None of the council members could be reached for comment Thursday morning.
Borough Administrator Gregory Franz did was not immediately available to comment.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.