Bristol discusses nonlethal way to deal with geese

Source: WTNH
Author: Brittany Schaefer

BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) -- Bristol residents came out in full force to the city's board of parks meeting on Wednesday once again over the city's goose controversy.

"It's important we learn to coexist," said CT Votes for Animals' Andrea Dobras.

Wednesday night's meeting follows an emotional one last month over whether or not the geese should be killed.

"I think if they are looking at dollars only, it's a mistake," Dobras said. "I think they need to look at what's going to solve the problem."

The board discussed other options to reduce the bird overpopulation and droppings at Veterans' Memorial Park and Boulevard, including a repellent spray, boundary fencing, riparian (vegetation) buffers and clean-up services.

"There are no quick solutions," Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano said. "We have limited funds to deal with this. This is not a typical line item on a city budget."

Ultimately a long-term solution decision was pushed to the policy committee because many options cost tens of thousands of dollars. In the meantime, Caggiano said the city will apply for grants and use nip bottle street sweeping machines to help clean the bird waste, but some say the issue needs to be addressed now.

"That riparian barrier is critical to keep the geese away," Dobras said. "The fact they are going to delay it until over the summer, I think, is a mistake."

But not everyone agrees with the nonlethal measures.

"It's pointless to spend all this money they want to spend, because you're not going to get rid of the geese," Bristol resident Donald DeForge said.

Avison Tomlin, a 14-year-old Bristol resident who had a Canada goose on his shirt, has previously advocated for the birds. Since the last meeting, he took action and set up a GoFundMe Page to save the geese.

"[It'll] provide money for the people to help save the geese, so I think I've raised $700," he said.

His mother, Jessica Tomlin, said that they drive to Memorial Boulevard every day.

"They bring peace and comfort, and are part of Bristol," she said.

Caggiano said the sidewalks will be cleaned before Memorial Day, which is something crews do every year, and will not cost the city extra money.