Dumping ducks, any laws against it?

[JadeComputerGal]

lol!
Than you for sharing that. I know my feed stores also have bulletins and I think come spring I will post on there to some rescue groups. My hope is that someone will see it when the came back to buy food and realize that there are resources other than releasing them in the local ponds.

I think that's a great idea. While I intend to try it, I don't expect a positive reception to it. Our feed store is one of the ones that sells ducklings and chicks around Easter, so I doubt they're going to be onboard with the idea of me posting something that might discourage people from buying something they're selling.

 

[Amykins]

It's a terrible thing to be selling for that purpose, anyway. :/ I think adding rescue posters is wonderful, it gives people an option...although I certainly hope it doesn't backfire and entice MORE idiots to buy "disposable ducklings" thinking they have an easy out.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I think that's a great idea. While I intend to try it, I don't expect a positive reception to it. Our feed store is one of the ones that sells ducklings and chicks around Easter, so I doubt they're going to be onboard with the idea of me posting something that might discourage people from buying something they're selling.

You might be surprised. write a letter to the editor that's where they go here. I got a good response so hopefully you will to. Again as Amiga says we are appealing to all sorts of people so we don't want to come across as being obstinate and turn people off.

 

[Amykins]

At least you no longer see those dyed-pink chicks and ducklings at county fairs anymore. ;_;

 

[JadeComputerGal]

You might be surprised. write a letter to the editor that's where they go here. I got a good response so hopefully you will to. Again as Amiga says we are appealing to all sorts of people so we don't want to come across as being obstinate and turn people off.

Thank you. I just read back over what I wrote earlier and realized I hadn't made it as clear as I should have that I was talking about two separate things. Apologies for that. I'm definitely going to do the letters to the editors part, but the part you quoted was me pondering what kind of reception it would get from the people who work at (and own) the feed store if I tacked it on the bulletin board at the feed store. My husband and I have a really good relationship with them, so I'm thinking that I'll approach one of the owners or managers with it, just out of respect, to see if they'll give it their blessing instead of me just hanging it there without discussing it with them first.

I think @Amykins made a good point I hadn't considered. Maybe it would be better to post rescue information a couple of months after Easter for the people who are put off by the fact that the animals have gotten bigger since they bought them?

 

[JadeComputerGal]

At least you no longer see those dyed-pink chicks and ducklings at county fairs anymore. ;_;

LOL. Now if people will stop dyeing their dogs and cats...

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you. I just read back over what I wrote earlier and realized I hadn't made it as clear as I should have that I was talking about two separate things. Apologies for that. I'm definitely going to do the letters to the editors part, but the part you quoted was me pondering what kind of reception it would get from the people who work at (and own) the feed store if I tacked it on the bulletin board at the feed store. My husband and I have a really good relationship with them, so I'm thinking that I'll approach one of the owners or managers with it, just out of respect, to see if they'll give it their blessing instead of me just hanging it there without discussing it with them first.

I think @Amykins made a good point I hadn't considered. Maybe it would be better to post rescue information a couple of months after Easter for the people who are put off by the fact that the animals have gotten bigger since they bought them?

I remember a couple years ago a member went to TSC and asked if they would hand out info on caring for ducklings and chicks to each family who bought them. They agreed, you just never know till you try. I am so glad our only feed store doesn't sell live animals. I also remember someone posting at their city pond live bunnies that had been dumped out also.

 

[enriquec]

I didn't know there was a difference between domestic and wild breeds until after I purchased rouen eggs. I was planning to completely release them. (I'm still not sure how much difference breed truly makes)

Something that's mentioned less often than breed is domesticated vs wild behavior. In my (less experienced) opinion, that can be more important. Like all animals, a major factor affecting "cruelty"is if they can fend for themselves.

Breed I know affects flying, and behavior which make a difference, but it's not everything. Have they depended on humans to survive? I think that's much more important.

I've successfully released ducks when I was younger. Now, with rouen, and fear from what I've read, I'm going to supply some food daily, and a permanent safe and secure place to sleep at night. But that's the only thing I'm doing differently.

Like the ones when I was younger, I'm exploring the environment w them, making sure they are eating the right foods off the water and land. Basically, supplying a substitute of what their parents would.

Some domesticated ducks are released in domesticated areas where they will do fine. Some wild ducks become domesticated just because of humans feeding them. And in some areas, I think that's ok. They will continue to survive forever, with human dependence.

I think trying to stop this offs a great cause, and you can make a difference, but it's impossible to completely end this. I think a more ' flexible' and ' educated, approach may be better.

They need to know releasing a pet into the wild equals death and/or cruel and why. All the same stuff mentioned. That can change decisions before they happen. But also IF you're releasing, hire to do it right. A rescue or human feeding area. If it is in your outdoors, how to teach them.

Something I'm HUGE on, is teaching no bread! I had a lot of people at my lake switch to cooked whole grain rice. I got one restaurant to put up a sign and they actually installed a machine to buy duck feed fit a quarter.

I know this is a minority opinion, but I think it's better. It doesn't have to be terrible releasing a duck, or feeding them, but it usually is. You can get some people to stop buying/feeding/releasing, but not even close to all. Educating people of likely and potential harm, and a better easy to do things, I think makes a bigger difference.

 

[allergymama]

Hi, y'all, here is the letter I wrote in 2012. Feel free to lift anything from it that you feel will help. I am finding that while I feel awful things at the thought of dumping, that human beings respond to someone they feel understands them, and cares for them. And then there are some folks who are just so obstinate!

So take the approach that you know in your heart is right for you and your situation. Reminding people before the fact may be more effective. At least that is my feeling. Okay - on to the letter!

Suggested title: Don’t Dump Them!

Spring is coming! And among the dreams and temptations, perhaps more for those with children, will come the appeal of precious little chicks and ducklings and bunnies (a.k.a. kits).

I simply want to ask everyone to decide against getting any of these little critters if your plan is to release them to public fields, ponds or forests when they are grown, when you become overwhelmed with their care, the family tires of them, or they aren’t cute anymore.

Releasing pets is cruel, whether that is the intention or not. Those who try to help such released former pets use different words – abandonment or dumping.

Domestic animals are not equipped to protect or feed themselves. Sometimes they die quickly when they fall prey to other animals. Sometimes they slowly starve or freeze to death. Sometimes they die in agony from the infections that arise from injury or disease. It is awful to even contemplate.

If you want to have some of these small animals as pets, for their sake and yours, do a little homework before you take them home. Be sure you can handle their care, from the day they arrive through their adult lives. There are resources online, in print, and in the form of local individuals and organizations experienced with animal care.

Another option is to adopt rescued animals. They were raised as pets and then dumped. They could surely use a decent home where they are well cared for.

Springtime, for many, is a season for celebrating new life, redemption, and care for one another. Please don’t bring home any cute little fuzzy, feathered, furry “babies” only to abandon them to a cruel fate. That’s not what this season is about.

Thank you so much for sharing!

 

[desertdarlene]

Awww, yes, most places have laws against domestic animal abandonment, but it's rarely enforced. I've even had workers at some of the places I've gone to who can't tell the difference between a wild and domestic duck. Granted, some places do buy ornamental waterfowl, but usually they care for those birds. I know one lake where ducks and geese are frequently dumped where the staff keeps an eye on them. So, I would check to see if someone is doing that. Or, you can volunteer to keep an eye on them sometimes or provide some feed and medical care.