Crime & Safety

Vehicle Strikes, Kills 7 Geese in Middlesex Co. Town; Driver Flees Scene: Cops

Geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, & intentional harm to them could violate state and federal regulations, cops said.

SPOTSWOOD, NJ - Seven geese were left dead in a hit-and-run incident on Devoe Avenue near the lake on Monday, Spotswood Police said.

Officers responded to the scene around 6:45 p.m. following reports that a vehicle had struck multiple geese crossing the roadway.

When police arrived, they discovered seven dead geese in the street. The driver had already fled the scene, police said.

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Investigators have not determined whether the collision was accidental or intentional. The department is currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences as part of their investigation.

Police are emphasizing the legal protections afforded to geese under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, noting that any intentional harm to the birds could violate both state and federal regulations.

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"We take all incidents involving wildlife seriously, especially those that may involve intentional harm to the animals," Captain Edward Schapley of the Spotswood Police Department said. "We ask anyone with information to please come forward and assist us in our ongoing investigation."

Authorities are seeking witnesses who may have observed the incident or anyone with relevant video footage. Those with information are asked to contact the Spotswood Police Department at 732-251-2121 and request Det. John Fedak or Ptl. Rizzolo H.L.E.O. officer.

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