Urgent: Legislation to Protect New York's Mute Swans on Governor Cuomo's Desk - Calls Needed!
Legislation introduced by Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz and Senator Tony Avella to protect New York’s mute swans from extermination has been delivered to Governor Cuomo. The bill passed both houses of the Legislature with an overwhelming majority. If the bill is not signed within 10 days, it will be automatically vetoed. Governor Cuomo has until November 21st to act on the bill, so he needs to hear from us now!
Photo credit: Charleen Turner
This crucial legislation will prevent the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) from moving forward with their controversial plans to kill and mutilate free living mute swans in New York. The bill requires the DEC to clearly demonstrate the damage to the environment or other species that mute swans are alleged to cause, and calls for public hearings to provide communities across the state with the opportunity to comment on local management actions being considered.
Though Gov. Cuomo previously vetoed this bill, suggesting it was not needed based on misplaced confidence that the DEC would commit to non-lethal management and include the most important provisions of the legislation in their revised mute swan management plan, the DEC failed to do so.
Governor Cuomo must act now to save New York's mute swans.
Tens of thousands of New Yorkers spoke out against the DEC's original and revised mute swan management proposals. Our thoughtful and heartfelt comments to the DEC in favor of constructive co-existence have been made public and can be read here - these letters make clear the overwhelming public support mute swans enjoy and widespread opposition to any plans to harm these majestic wild animals.
Don't Delay! Call Governor Cuomo at (518) 474-8390 - tell him to protect New York's mute swans and sign A.3675 / S.1555 today!
Advocates have worked together for two years to fight back against the DEC's wrongheaded and brutal proposals to kill New York's mute swans, a disastrous war against this species that has resulted in the needless and ineffective slaughter of thousands of mute swans in other states across the country. Please help make our voices heard and convince Gov. Cuomo to give mute swans a chance to continue to live freely here in New York.
#saveourswans
#endthewaronwildlife
Get involved - our 100% volunteer run organization needs your help. Click here to be added to our listserv to discuss ideas, strategy, and actions we plan to take.
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