Contact your Local Media about a Goose Cull

Press release 

Here is an example of a press release to be sent to your local newspaper. If you choose to use our example, you will need to amend it to include the relevant information. Please get in touch if you would like us to send you the contact details of your local paper or radio station.

Local residents condemn [Name of Council/local group/school etc] plans to cull geese as cruel and a waste of resources 

It has emerged that [Name of Council/ club or school] plans to cull geese in the local area. Residents were horrified that the council has made such a cruel and short-sighted decision and [Number] people have signed a petition opposing the plan. 

Residents are concerned about the cruelty associated with culling. Trapping and shooting geese not only cause suffering to the birds who are killed but it can also be distressing for the geese who witness the deaths of their fellow birds. Geese generally mate for life and may pine for many months following the loss of their mate.  

Most councils now understand that killing wildlife is cruel, ineffective and a waste of money. If there is a good source of food in an area and the environment remains attractive, more geese will quickly replace those killed, leading to an endless cycle of culling and expense for councils. This also represents a waste of council tax revenue [if carried out by a council].  

There are many humane ways to deter geese from an area, such as obstructing access to water with fencing or plants and using deterrents such as balloon-kites.  

The council has been sent resources outlining humane deterrents and also been provided with the details of companies specialising in humane wildlife deterrence.  

Tips 

• If you have created a petition, you could put in the link and if you are planning an action or demonstration, you could also mention the details.  
• Remember to include your name and phone number.  

Letter to the Editor 

Another option is to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper (or even a national one). This can be useful if there is already an article about the cull in the paper, either opposing it or championing it. Your letter can refer to this earlier article or letter and either agree with it or challenge it. Letters to the editor are usually shorter than a press release.

We have lots of tips on writing a letter to the editor in our “Get Active for Animals Guide”

Below is an example of a letter to the editor. Please use this example as a guide and remember you will need to amend it to include the relevant information.

Dear Letters Editor, 

I was shocked to see that [Name of council/school etc] is planning to cull geese at [location]. In a world where wildlife is rapidly declining, we should be showing tolerance and compassion to the other species with whom we share the planet. 

Methods used to cull geese are cruel and can inflict terrible suffering. Geese generally mate for life and may pine for many months following the loss of their mate.  

As well as being cruel, killing geese does not work, so it is a waste of resources. If there is a good source of food in an area and the environment remains attractive, more geese will quickly move into the area to replace those who have been killed. 

I hope the council will reconsider its decision to cull the geese and instead opt for non-lethal humane methods, such as balloon-kite deterrents. I urge other concerned residents to contact [Name of council/school etc] Thank you.  

[Your name] 

[Local Resident]