September 17 Statement to APLNJ from Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s office
Our office reached out to USDA and actually just got an update this morning with great news. The swans were deemed not aggressive and they will remain on the lake. The agency will not take any further action at this time. I was told we might get more follow-up information, but I wanted to make sure you knew as soon as possible.
Thank you for continuing to keep us updated on the situation, so that we can work with the various stakeholders. If there is anything else we need to follow up on please let us know.
Even the Greenwood Lake Commission admitted that the male swan showed “NO aggression” toward USDA/marine police on jet skis and boats.
THANK CONGRESSMAN GOTTHEIMER: So many of you came to the defense of Mute swans – individuals, elected officials, organizations – your voices were heard, loud and clear.
We must thank Congressman Gottheimer in particular for the extraordinary effort that he and his staff put into protecting the swans.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer:
Glen Rock Office: 201.389.1100 (9 a.m.- 5 p.m.)
Washington, D.C.: 202. 225.4465
Email:
Josh.gottheimer@mail.house.gov
MORE WORK TO BE DONE. “At this time” is not a guarantee, and the reprieve is nothing without enforcement against jet skiers who assault the swans. On that score, we’ve yet to hear the results of the reported police investigation into jet skiers deliberately tormenting the swans. It shouldn’t be terribly difficult: some of the abusers are caught on camera, after all, and there are eye-witnesses. APLNJ will continue to collect evidence.
One of the cygnets has a serious abscess the size of an egg, fishing line around his or her neck, and cannot fly. We’re bringing in the proper experts to capture the young swan for medical treatment.
LONG-TERM PROTECTION FOR PERSECUTED SWANS. Thanks to debunked “non-native” claims made by hunting interests and their Audubon partners, the NJ DEP and USDA kill Mute swans throughout New Jersey. How? They break the necks of the world’s most graceful and beloved birds, or shoot them dead. Public pressure in Connecticut and New York stopped most of the killing by establishing guidelines. We in New Jersey – the thousands of Mute swan defenders – must do the same.
And thank you to APLNJ's staff, which did a sterling job on this.
Susan Russell
Wildlife Policy Director
NY Times: Speaking Up for the Mute Swan