Action Alerts From Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)


CONTACT NYSDEC RE NEWEST SWAN KILLING

From: Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)
December 16, 2025

On July 1, 2025 Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW) reported on our meeting with members of the NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), including representatives of humane advocacy groups and wildlife rescuers.

We covered such issues as the cruel DEC pheasant hunt, getting a non-hunter on the DEC advisory board and allowing hunting in wildlife 'refuges.' The DEC especially mentioned that they would give special attention to the issues we raised related to dumping fishing trash and injuries to wildlife in NYC parks; they did not. On Dec 3 we sent another letter complaining about the lack of followup - with photos of injuries to wildlife all caused by human negligence and deliberate violence.

Another brutal swan killing in NYC was reported on December 10, 2025:

"Beloved NYC swan couple torn apart after bird killed by rock-wielding maniac, raising fears about mate’s fate"

https://nypost.com/2025/12/10/us-news/beloved-nyc-swan-couple-torn-apart-after-bird-is-killed/

THIS IS NOTHING NEW; ITS AN ONGOING PROBLEM IN NYC PARKS. We had added this information, forwarded by an onsite wildlife volunteer, to our last DEC communication:

"Some men were throwing rocks at the Swans in the park at the Summerhouse Beach near the Ocean Ave and Parkside Ave intersection. One accused me of "looking at him" and informed everyone around me that "he owned this park and would do whatever he wanted." He then proceeded to threaten me, telling me that "he had an icepick in his pocket, and I was going to get it if I stayed on the beach." If we want our public parks to be a free-for-all for violence, adults can make an educated decision as to whether or not to go there - but neither children nor wildlife have the ability to make those decisions. I don't think it's too much to ask that we keep them in mind."

PLEASE CONTACT NYSDEC COMMISSIONER AMANDA LEFTON AND POLITELY INSIST THAT THE DEC DO THEIR JOBS; THEY ARE TASKED WITH PROVIDING ONSITE ENFORCEMENT AND PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE IN NYC PARKS: **ATTACHED ARE PHOTOS OF INJURIES TO WILDLIFE IN NYC PARKS, PROVIDED BY THE SWAN SQUAD AND WILD IN PROSPECT PARK - THANK YOU!

EMAIL: [email protected]

Thank you as always! ~~ Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)

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