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Do not blame birds for plane collisions

The recent near collision of two passenger jets over New York City is once again proof that there are more near-collisions between planes due to pilot and control tower error.

So why were authorities culling Canada geese and goslings? It is outrageous that these birds are being rounded up and killed because they might possibly cause a collision with an airliner.

Yes, passenger and flight crew safety is a top priority, but it does not justify killing birds at all. There must be a more humane way to reduce possible collisions between birds and planes.

Animal organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals need to work together with airport officials to come up with ways to reduce this problem.

One thing I could never understand was why the Port Authority built an airport near federally protected wetlands where thousands of birds and other wildlife live. That never should have been done.

John Amato

Fresh Meadows