Christine turned her tears into the late Congressman John Lewis’s call to Make Good Trouble. She researched the situation, helped galvanize community support for the Muscovies, spoke to the media, and created the petition we posted last week.
Photo Courtesy of Christine Grenier
A clamor of sorrow and outrage from the residents of Island Walk, Florida
and UPC supporters changed the trajectory of a plan by the community’s board
of directors from violence to peaceful resolution. On Dec. 23, the board
voted to:
“Rescind the vote to have Ray the Trapper capture Muscovy Ducks and to
suspend any action until additional input can be gathered from state, local
and federal wildlife experts, academics and environmentalists, as well as
residents, on the best methods for managing population growth. The Lake
Committee, along with management and the Board will develop a plan, which
will be discussed with the community and amended as needed.”
The Island Walk resident most responsible for saving the ducks is animal
rights vegan activist, Christine Grenier, who on Dec. 11 emailed UPC that
“Just tonight, I’ve learned that our community’s board of directors has
voted to round up and kill the Muscovy ducks who reside here in our lakes. I
am angry and near tears. I feel helpless. I wish I could help the ducks.
They are precious, innocent, and beautiful. I appreciate your time and
thoughts on this matter.”
Christine turned her tears into the late Congressman John Lewis’s call to
Make Good Trouble. She researched the situation, helped galvanize community
support for the Muscovies, spoke to the media, and created the petition we
posted last week.
When Christine shared the news yesterday, I asked her if she felt the ducks
would be safe from now on, and she replied: “My gut feeling is that the
board will do nothing and return to the status quo, leaving the Muscovies
alone and free from harassment or threat of death. It is possible they may
actually find an alternate humane solution but, honestly, there is no issue
with excess defecation. Whatever is there is left by all of the waterfowl,
not only the Muscovy Ducks. Karen, this was much ado about nothing from the
start. Sad but true.”
We’re so happy and grateful to share this wonderful news. Thank you,
Christine, and everyone who joined together to make a Wish Come True!
Return to: Animal Rights/Vegan Activist Strategies