Law VS Ducks

[Komaki]

Then you understand.

 

[Big Dreamer]

Completely!!

 

[Komaki]

If the pic is of you, I'm sorry you learnd this so early in life. But you may be better off for it. Not many people are that way in this area as most come to me for things like snake, gator, bear and pretty much every other thing they are afraid of. But we had to earn thier respect. Fish Hawk is only 7yo and people bring chickens to him to clean.

[/img]I am teaching hin the old ways, but he learned too that some time thing are unjust.

 

[FenDruadin]

I have to say... if the creek doesn't belong to you, then you probably are not legal in taking your ducks there. Most areas have leash laws at a bare minimum, and even if there is not a law specifically regarding ducks in creeks, there are probably plenty of them in regard to bringing pets onto government property, or general laws about endangering wildlife. I know, you're probably not actually endangering wildlife, but a law like that can be applied pretty broadly and there are lots who would buy that you could be spreading avian flu or some such nonsense. And there would be no way to prove you aren't.

This is all spoken by someone who may or may not always follow the law to the letter in how/where I keep my ducks. I've learned that my best insurance against problems is to make friends--with the neighbors, with the local law enforcement, with the animal control officers. That personal rapport, and their knowledge that what I'm doing is healthy and good and not harming anyone or anything, all go a long way toward avoiding any potential legal issues.

I also say all of that with the clear understanding that racism is quite relevant in these issues. In my class of six homebirthing couples (ten years ago), four couples were white, one was mixed (black woman white man), one was black. Two of those families were later brought before authorities for child neglect in regard to their homebirths (which is NOT illegal--but when someone wants to prosecute, they can usually find a way to do it). Wanna guess which two? (Hint: Only one of the three people charged was white.)

Racism involved there? You bet. Another friend of mine once had to go to court on neglect charges because she left her 10-year-old in the car with her 3-year-old while she ran into the grocery store on a 50-degree overcast morning. In our state, it is quite legal to leave a 3-year-old in the care of a 10-year-old, so long as "reasonable care" is exercised. What constitutes "reasonable care"? Well, if you're me and happen to be white with white children, it means one thing (i.e., I can leave my three children ages 10, 7, and 3 in a cool car, and no one ever says a word) and if you're white with mixed-race children like my friend, then it means something entirely different and you end up in court.

So... I'm willing to believe there is likely to be a racist issue here, which is sad and unfortunate. Also unfortunate that you probably don't have much recourse because even if the law is not clear, you're not likely to prevail in court or with whatever petty official handles your complaint if you end up with a ticket or citation. So, sadly, you are probably going to have to comply. Or, see what you can do to make friends with the warden at a time when nothing is at stake. If you're on friendly terms he/she may be more open to discussing the options. I hope that's an option for you.

Good luck in any event...

 

[Big Dreamer]

I can not agree more.

 

[Komaki]

Without climbing on a soap box I just want to say you are both good people. But it's not something I didn't grow up with. I am infact good friends with all other 6 wardens, and they too ask my help or at least advise on what they can't do. SHE on the other hand is disliked even by them. I wasen't trying to sound like I was wynning just wondered if it was a REAL law. But thank you.

 

[purelypoultry]

That's unfortunate, because from the looks of the ducks in the water, they seem to be enjoying paddling around with the kiddos. Do your other warden friends happen to know if she's right? Or maybe a suggestion of a place where she wouldn't bother you?

 

[Komaki]

They are looking into it. But with or without the ducks, dog,ect...She will still pull me over, run my tags, and search my truck. EVERYTIME! It's kind of funny.