Bristol may kill geese at park after complaints about bird droppings

BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) — The Bristol Board of Park Commissioners is reviewing a “geese management plan” that would authorize both lethal and non-lethal measures to deter the animals at city-owned parks and properties.

Leaders said it’s because some people are complaining about bird droppings, calling them a “nuisance” around Veteran’s Memorial Park and Boulevard.

“I do think it’s very messy here,” said Lynn Pernal, who works in Bristol. “As we were walking down there [along the boulevard], you have to watch where you’re walking.”

Mayor Jeff Caggiano said leaders are reviewing the comprehensive proposal.

“[The geese] are living as an invasive species,” Caggiano said. “Resident geese, they’re called. They’re not supposed to be resident geese, but they are.”

Linda Pleva, the vice president and treasurer of Desmond’s Army, an animal advocate group, is strongly against the plan.

“It’s extremely cruel and inhumane [to kill the geese], and [leaders] need to find alternatives,” Pleva said.

Caggiano said the city tried non-lethal options like using dogs and fake swans over the years, but it hasn’t mitigated the problem.

“In 2018 and 2019, for some of the non-lethal measures, we spent about $15,000,” Caggiano said. “In this year’s plan, the [proposal] that’s online right now, the suggestion is to spend about $3,600 to combine some of these.”

Caggiano said the proposal could take two or three years to thin the flock.

Animal advocates have other ideas.

“They can plant some tall grass that would divert the geese away from the pond, which is what they’re there for,” Pleva said.

Pernal suggested regular clean-ups led by volunteers.

Caggiano says the final plan must be approved by DEEP.

At a packed meeting on Wednesday, people spoke both in favor of and against the plan. Prior to the meeting, the city received 115 emails and 40 calls about the plan.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.