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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Muscovy ducks are part of Kenneth City's charm

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published September 26, 2007

Like 'em, hate 'em Sept. 19, story

Thanks to Anne Lindberg for writing such an eye-opening story on the Muscovy ducks.

I am relatively new to Kenneth City. The charm of this city is the Muscovy ducks.

My own experience with the ducks has been uplifting. My daughter and I have had the wonderful experience of watching two mothers raise their chicks.

We look forward to seeing them every day and do a head count. They are dedicated mothers, and they shouldn't have to worry about humans being their predators.

Shame on those who deliberately try to run over or maim these ducks. What cowards they are! What examples they are for the younger generation. Young people will learn it's okay to abuse. It is not. I thought animal cruelty was against the law but apparently not. The enforcers of the law, allegedly, are abusers, too.

We should all sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy nature before it is gone. I'll bet Paul Lyons' neighbor doesn't enjoy much of anything. A true pity. Lyons' neighbor should worry more about home invasions, murder and the crime rate in general than what a few ducks might be leaving behind on their property. Why the fuss about a few ducks?

Joanne Figas, Kenneth City

Like 'em, hate 'em Sept. 19, story

Protect the pests? No way

This is in response to all those supporting these ducks. First of all, go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Web site (myfwc.com) and learn how these ducks are listed as "feral." They breed fast, and their high numbers have negative effects on the food supply for Florida's native birds. They have high bacteria counts in their mouths and droppings and destroy almost any plants used in landscapes.

They are aggressive and if a child were bitten while feeding them, it could result in a severe infection. People who feed them are training them to follow feeding routes that take them across our roads, creating a traffic hazard. I have seen people brake suddenly to avoid them and on 46th Avenue N have seen numerous near accidents due to them.

They also leave droppings that will stain concrete and pool decks and are full of bacteria, forcing one to use a hose and chemicals to clean up after them, an almost daily ritual. They are the ultimate, nonnative pest. They also fly only 6 feet off the ground, and my wife and many others have had them fly right in front of their cars, hitting them and causing damage to windshield wipers. Their eggs are often found behind landscape plants by the terrible rotten smell broken ones give off. The eggs also attract other destructive species.

Kenneth City used to trap them and dispose of them to keep their numbers down but has not kept up the practice.

My neighbors spent many days and lots of money improving the appearance of their home and neighborhood by planting nice plants and flowers. Within three days they all were eaten by these ducks, and all that remained was dirt, mulch and tons of dropping. Protect the ducks? No, let's protect the native species and our investments!

Russ Koerner, Kenneth City

Like 'em, hate 'em Sept. 19, story

Punish duck abusers ...

I live near Fossil Park in St. Petersburg and often must chase tame Muscovy ducks from my yard because they leave nasty poop behind which stains cement surfaces. Otherwise, they are entertaining to watch, especially the mothers tending to their ducklings.

Never, never would civilized people entertain maiming or injuring one. Break their legs so they can starve to death in pain? Throw spears at them? This is out and out animal cruelty, and perpetrators should be arrested and thrown in with those creeps who stabbed the pigs.

A reminder of a Gandhi quote: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

B.J. Mitchell, St. Petersburg

... and disarm the officer

It seems that even officers of the law don't give a "quack" about supposedly lower life forms, specifically the Muscovy duck that was Maced or pepper sprayed by a female police officer in Kenneth City.

The police chief of that city said that he will look into the matter.

I sincerely hope that he does look into the matter, thoroughly and, without fail, discipline that officer who is responsible for this.

Every person and every animal just wants to make a living and care for its family - animals even more so than us "superior" humans.

What is going on with people? This makes me very sad. The police officer sends a very bad message to adults and children alike in our community of abuse and disrespect and should not be walking around with a weapon of any kind, especially a loaded firearm.

Ted Dilar, Treasure Island

[Last modified September 25, 2007, 22:10:12]