LANSING, Mich. (April 8, 2025) — A bold new billboard is confronting thousands of drivers on Interstate 96 with a powerful message “Tell Gov Whitmer Don’t Gas Geese.” Installed just days before a key public meeting, the billboard highlights growing public opposition to the cruel mass gassing of geese in Michigan. 

The billboard is located on the south side of I-96, approximately 3,000 feet east of Wixom Road — directly addressing Governor Gretchen Whitmer and urging compassionate, science-based action instead of slaughter.

In Defense of Animals’ National Goose Protection Coalition is calling on Michiganders to speak out at the Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting on Thursday, April 10, where officials will continue approving permits to round up and gas entire flocks of geese across the state. These permits are being issued under misleading claims, ignoring proven non-lethal solutions that better protect local ecosystems.

Lisa Levinson, Campaigns Director for In Defense of Animals said, “Our powerful billboard sends a clear message: Michiganders do not support the cruel gassing of geese. We’re calling on Governor Whitmer and state officials to stop these mass killings and adopt humane, science-based solutions instead. We’re incredibly grateful to the hundreds of people who have already spoken out — your voices are making a difference. Please keep the momentum going: sign, share, and speak up at Thursday’s meeting to protect Michigan’s geese.”

Advocates from the National Goose Protection Coalition will be in attendance at the Thursday meeting at Lansing Community College to demand ethical, non-lethal solutions that prioritize both animal protection and environmental health. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend, submit public comments, and stand up for Michigan’s geese.

Katie Nolan, Wild Animal Campaign Specialist for In Defense of Animals added, “The public deserves a say in how Michigan’s wildlife is managed, yet these decisions are being left to a handful of lakefront homeowners who want geese exterminated for convenience. Meanwhile, the real threats to Michigan’s waterways — agricultural runoff, pollution, and septic failures — are being largely ignored. Compassionate citizens should arrive early for the meeting and sign up to speak for up to three minutes.”

Since Friday, over 280 Michiganders have taken action by contacting local officials. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan DNR Director, Scott Bowen, Michigan Natural Resources Committee, DNR Wildlife Division – Sarah Thompson, and the local USDA Office are being urged to immediately halt mass-killing permits and demand humane, science-based solutions.

Speak out for Michigan’s geese: www.idausa.org/gas 

Call Governor Whitmer directly: (517) 335-7858

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IMAGES: https://bit.ly/MIGooseBillboard

Meeting Details:

What: Michigan Natural Resources Commission Meeting
When: Thursday, April 10, 9:30 a.m. CT
Where: Lansing Community College, West Campus Rooms M119-121 5708 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing, MI 48917

Agenda

Guidelines for Public Comments

Protect Our Geese, Protect Our Communities webinar about Michigan goose killing plans.

Contacts: 

Lisa Levinson, Campaigns Director, lisa@idausa.org, (215) 620-2130 

Katie Nolan, Wild Animal Campaign Specialist, katie@idausa.org, ‪(601) 207-0076‬

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a history of defending animals, humans, and the environment, through education and campaigns as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/geese

 The National Goose Protection Coalition is a network of individuals and organizations dedicated to ending lethal goose roundups and promoting humane coexistence strategies. The coalition offers resources such as expert mentorship, educational presentations, and advocacy tools to support non-lethal solutions. Their efforts focus on raising awareness about goose behavior, debunking myths, and actively preventing inhumane culling practices.

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