ALPENA, Mich. (Sept. 23, 2026) — Alpena officials face calls from In Defense of Animals to pursue humane, nonlethal solutions to conflicts with Canada geese after the Alpena Municipal Council authorized a controlled goose hunt at the Alpena County Fairgrounds. The organization has sent city officials a letter outlining nonlethal alternatives and offering support as the city works toward more effective, long-term solutions for mitigating conflicts with geese.

“We are disappointed that Alpena has chosen to authorize a cruel and ineffective hunt when humane, nonlethal approaches remain available instead,” said In Defense of Animals Wild Animals Campaign Specialist Katie Nolan. “Thoughtful, nonlethal approaches can save time, money and trauma. We are offering our expertise and resources to help Alpena pursue solutions that protect both its community and its geese.”

The council voted 3-2 on Sept. 8 to authorize a three-day controlled hunt at the fairgrounds on Sept. 17, 24 and 30, after rejecting a proposed hunt the previous month. The city issued a statement on Sept. 15 announcing two hunts on Sept. 17 and 24, but omitted the Sept. 30 hunt.

City officials cited widespread goose droppings and the limited success of this year’s nonlethal efforts, which were disrupted by severe spring flooding. Yet the city continues to evaluate approaches including egg oiling and “Away with Geese” light devices, prompting In Defense of Animals to question why lethal control was authorized before these proven alternatives could be fully explored.

The council’s own discussion underscored that uncertainty. Council member Kevin Currier, who voted for the hunt, questioned whether a hunt would actually address the underlying problem of goose droppings, while Mayor Cindy Johnson expressed hope that officials could continue working toward better solutions before next spring. The city’s Goose Management Committee is also continuing to evaluate options for managing conflicts with geese.

“Alpena has an opportunity to build on the nonlethal work it has already started and develop a comprehensive conflict-management program for the future. We are offering our expertise and resources because we believe communities can address concerns about goose droppings and public spaces without killing by default,” said Nolan.

In Defense of Animals’ National Goose Protection Coalition is a network of individuals and organizations working to end lethal goose roundups and promote humane coexistence strategies. The coalition provides communities with information, educational resources, expert guidance and advocacy tools focused on preventing conflicts with geese without resorting to killing these animals. The coalition also works to correct misconceptions about geese and aid communities in identifying practical approaches tailored to their local circumstances.

In Defense of Animals hopes to work with Alpena officials and community members to implement effective, long-term and nonlethal measures including improved habitat and landscape management, nest and egg management with required permits when conditions allow, humane deterrence, targeted sanitation and feces-removal strategies and careful monitoring to determine which approaches actually reduce conflicts over time. If implemented before the spring, these strategies can reduce conflicts and help protect the lives of geese for years to come.

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Contact: Katie Nolan, katie@idausa.org, 601-207-0076

Letter sent to Alpena Councilmembers

Michigan Webinar: Protect Our Geese, Protect Our Communities about goose killing plans and alternative solutions: https://youtu.be/v0xu7lssrTw

Resources from the webinar including speaker contacts and PowerPoint presentations

Goose advocacy resources: www.stopgooseabuse.org

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters that has defended animals, the environment and their guardians since 1983 through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, central 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 nonlethal solutions. Their efforts focus on raising awareness about goose behavior, debunking myths and actively preventing inhumane culling practices. www.stopgooseabuse.org

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