The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and another organization are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the abandonment of several Muscovy ducks in Melville.
On Wednesday, Long Island Orchestrating for Nature (LION) notified the SPCA that the birds had been abandoned in a Melville corporate center.
“Abandoning a domestic bird is a crime, just like abandoning a dog or a cat. When they’re abandoned to fend for themselves, these sweet animals often starve or are torn apart by predators because they lack the instincts to survive in the wild. LION is urging anyone with information to contact the Suffolk County SPCA and to contact LION anytime a domestic duck is spotted in the wild,” said John Di Leonardo, president and anthrozoologist for LION.
Effective March 31, 2010, Muscovy ducks are protected birds under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We can use the public’s help. The Suffolk County SPCA is highly motivated to find those who are responsible for the abandonment of these domestic ducks. The investigation continues as we follow up leads and conduct interviews. We urge anyone with information to contact the Suffolk County SPCA so that we are able to bring the individual(s) responsible to swift justice.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.