As first reported by The Associated Press, a New
Jersey couple is facing a fine after neighbors complained that their bird
feeder is attracting too many animals. Alfred
and Annette Rockefeller are scheduled to appear in court in Ramsey on Tuesday.
They could be fined $250 to $500 for violating an ordinance that prohibits
feeding wildlife.
Alfred Rockefeller is disabled. The 77-year-old says
feeding birds is one of his joys.
Town environmental specialist Leo Egan tells The Record newspaper the wire
wreath-style feeder filled with peanuts is drawing ducks, deer, geese,
squirrels, chipmunks and groundhogs to the neighborhood. The animals are
damaging neighbors' gardens.
When I first read this story, I felt a sense of
incredulity with how we treat each other America and the more I thought about
it, the angrier I became but soon realized that I had no right to feel the way
I did which was no doubt prompted by the person’s age and disability and the
silliness of the complaint.
But, then I realized that the law is the law and
what is one man’s joy is another man’s dismay.
And, while I like feeding birds, especially humming birds, I would not
want wild animals rummaging around in my garden, especially after spending
money getting my garden like I want it.
So, I say fine the 77 year old disabled man and
teach him a lesson and let’s pat his neighbors on their backs for filing the
complaint. And, if he doesn’t like that,
then tell him and his wife to move down south where there is plenty of land to
do whatever he wants and there are neighbors who won’t say a word.
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