Duck Lives Matter

Around 100 protesters gathered in Odessa on Wednesday to protest dozens of ducks and geese planned to be euthanized in a Texas park. According to a local news site, many brought signs to the protest at the park in question, Memorial Gardens Park, and chanted, "Save our ducks!”

Officials from the Odessa Parks and Recreation Department asked the Texas Wildlife Services for help in euthanizing 30 geese and 60 ducks due to overpopulation of the species. Parks director Steve Patton claimed that the department has received complaints about aggressive birds, and cited public health and safety concerns.

Furthermore, the duck and geese decision is related to pollution in Odessa as well. The city spent around $6,000 this year in order to clean park sidewalks of bird droppings compared to the $1,000 budgeted for 2015.

Park and TWS officials did not comment on when or how the birds would be euthanized. The park closed down Tuesday and is scheduled to reopen on July 14.