Protesters go to bat for 'Pete the moose'
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JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR/TIMES ARGUS |
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By Thatcher Moats Times Argus Staff - Published: July 31, 2009
WATERBURY – Waving signs and shouting slogans, about 20 protestors gathered in Waterbury on Thursday evening to show their support for Pete the Moose, an animal many people believe is under threat from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
"These guys can't speak for themselves, so we need to speak for them," said Donna Underwood-Owens, a 64-year-old Essex resident.
The group gathered on the edge of Main Street in front of a big lawn that lies in front of a state office complex, which houses offices for Fish and Wildlife, and joining the active protesters were onlookers and people gathering signatures on petitions.
Pete was raised by 73-year-old David Lawrence of Albany, who nursed the then-newborn moose back to health after Pete had been injured by dogs.
Pete lives on property owned by Doug Nelson, where native white-tailed deer and moose live among imported elk on Nelson's elk farm and hunting preserve in Irasburg.
Fish and Wildlife is negotiating with Nelson about what steps to take to rid the property of the native animals, and Nelson said that Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche told him his department would kill the animals, including Pete, in the coming weeks.
Wildlife officials worry that the imported elk might spread diseases, particularly chronic wasting disease, to Vermont's native deer and moose population, and having the native animals living there is against state regulations.
Laroche has disputed Nelson's assertions, saying he was open to further negotiation about the animals and even finding a solution that didn't result in the animals' extermination if that was possible.
A solution that keeps Pete alive and well is what Pete's supporters clearly want.
"Give Pete a Chance" and "For Pete's Sake," read two of the placards being waved toward the drivers on Main Street. Many drivers honked their horns and at least one person gave a thumbs-down out their window.
Lawrence, who has grown close Pete, was at the event and held a sign and spoke in front of news cameras.
Lawrence has been overwhelmed by the support for Pete, he said, but he also pointed out that he is fighting for all the native animals that accompany Pete in the preserve.
"It's not just all about Pete," he said.
Lawrence believes he's in a showdown with Fish and Wildlife, and he doesn't plan to flinch as he fights for what he wants.
"It's a ball game," he said, "and I say I'm going to pitch the last ball."