The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $1,500 for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person or people responsible for poisoning 67 cackling geese. 

The Case:

News reports give the following account: Sixty-seven cackling geese were found dead at Staats Lake in Keizer, Oregon between April 11 and 16. Laboratory tests confirmed that the geese were killed by zinc phosphide, a poison used by farmers, golf course managers and others to kill small rodents. In April, zinc phosphide may only be placed underground in animal burrows, specifically to prevent it from poisoning geese who are migrating through Oregon at that time. Investigators are considering all possibilities, including the illegal use of this poison.

Animal Cruelty: 

Zinc phosphide kills by depriving the body of oxygen, leading to failure of the heart and other vital organs. Humans who have ingested the poison and survived have described its effects as agonizingly painful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently reviewing its registration for continued use in the U.S. The HSUS has urged EPA to take significant steps to protect animals from unintended zinc phosphide poisoning, protection that is currently clearly inadequate. 

"Careless, possibly illegal use of poisons demonstrates disregard for other creatures who share our world," said Kelly Peterson, The HSUS' Oregon state director. "Oregonians should have no tolerance for this irresponsible behavior."

The Investigators:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Special Agent Jim Stinebaugh at 503-682-6131.

Resources: 

The HSUS Wild Neighbors program promotes nonlethal means for resolving conflicts between wildlife and humans—making this the rule, not the exception—and cultivates an understanding and appreciation for those wildlife species commonly found in cities and towns. The HSUS works with individuals and communities nationwide to promote nonlethal conflict resolution strategies.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.