Use rescue pitbulls instead of sheep herding dogs to keep geese from occupying airports.

Submitted by: John Kirk

THE SOLUTION

Currently, the most effective way to keep geese away from airports, which causes millions of dollars in damage to aircraft, and is a flight hazard, is to introduce a predator into the environment. Sheep herding dogs have been used effectively, but it is difficult because they attempt to herd the geese. Loud noises, such as takeoff/gunfire, will scatter the geese temporarily, but they become used to it. Pitbulls are very curious dogs, and mine, as well as friends, since a young age instinctively will run at the geese to check them out. This will scatter the geese, and a "natural" predator will have been introduced into the ecosystem, prompting them to settle elsewhere (likely a golf course :) ) Every year, tens of thousands of pitbulls are put down. The breed has a gigantic misunderstanding by the public, but rehabilitation efforts, as demonstrated with the dogs rescued and put into loving households from Michael Vick's dogfighting ring, are examples of the natural loyalty and affection of the breed. However, it is difficult for advocacy groups to rescue, board, feed, and find homes for these dogs. Local governments often pass restrictive laws regarding the breed, and are quite skeptical. This is a perfect solution: have a non-profit charge private airports to put these dogs to work! Not only will it save these dogs' lives, it will fulfill the requirements for these airports to keep their runways and flight paths clear of Canada geese. Geese are naturally migratory animals, and have only recently began unnaturally settling and "setting up shop" in permanent locations such as parks, airports, and golf courses across the U.S. This is likely because geese have been "educated" after flying through a gauntlet of gunfire from Canada to Mexico, and certain flocks have decided to settle rather than migrate. I believe that a non-profit would be sustainable, able to enlist the help, and help ease the burden, for dog rescue organizations, no-kill shelters, and advocacy groups, while improving the public perception of these amazing dogs.