The Humane Society of the United States is appealing to Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley to spare the majestic mute swans of the Chesapeake Bay from slaughter. Instead, Maryland can achieve any necessary control of the swans with non-lethal means.
For years, The HSUS has objected to the killing of these long-time residents of the Bay, urging a more humane tactic to keep their numbers in check. Nonlethal strategies developed jointly with biologists from The HSUS offer the best, and most humane, strategy for protecting the charismatic swans and for restoring the natural balance of the Chesapeake Bay.
"The fate of the swans are in the hands of Gov. O'Malley," said Dr. John W. Grandy, senior vice president of the HSUS. "Our message is simple: the governor can order his biologists to holster their guns. The few swans remaining in the Chesapeake aren't damaging the environment. If significant problems occur, there are proven, cost effective ways to manage swans without sending out execution squads."
The mute swan is a large, all-white bird, recognized by its orange bill with black at its base, common in Europe and Asia. The birds grace many lakes and bays in the United States, primarily on the East Coast.
