Don't Leave Ducks to Freeze in Pond

New Haven Register / Editorial

Easter is nearly upon us and there is an animal cruelty issue. We live adjacent to Sochrin Pond in Seymour and for the last two years people have abandoned pet ducks here.

People buy ducklings not understanding that these are domestic animals and do not fly. They cannot migrate. Fall comes, food sources diminish and they begin to starve. Then winter comes and the ice encroaches around them on the ponds they sit on. Domestic ducks are susceptible to frostbite, among other dangers.

A Pekin duck (white with orange legs and bill) was dropped off in the spring of 2006. We were unable to find anyone to help this poor hen. The mallards all flew south and she was left alone. We were unable to catch her. We continued to feed her until one Thursday night we discovered Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary. But, Friday evening the duck froze into the ice. Fortunately, we discovered her before any predators did. We were able to chip her out of the ice and save her.

Last year, two more pet ducks were dropped off on this pond. Again, Majestic came to their rescue. The shelter is brimming with abandoned pet ducks and geese.

Please resist the urge to purchase live pets at Easter unless you fully plan to offer them a lifetime of care.

Rita Millak
Joseph Millak
Seymour

Article originally published March 13, 2008