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Board moves forward on exploratory talks for trained dogs to control geese
Summary
Members reported new progress toward hiring trained animals and handlers to manage nuisance Canada geese, citing Tonawanda's long‑running program and the breeder used there.
Grand Island Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members said they are further along in exploring a goose‑control program that uses trained dogs and handlers to deter nesting geese from parks and athletic fields.
Sam (board/staff) and others reported that the town has been talking with a breeder and with staff in the Town of Tonawanda, which has used trained dogs for more than two decades. "The breeder has sent out over 500 dogs across the country to golf courses, parks and recreation departments," one staff member said in the discussion. Tonawanda reported long experience with the approach and told Grand Island staff the method can reduce turf damage and maintenance costs over time.
Speakers cautioned that the program requires a major personal commitment from handlers and an ongoing financial commitment from the town to cover veterinary care, handler compensation and other costs. One board member said the handler commitment is significant and that some towns have difficulty maintaining a handler. The meeting record shows the group is pursuing further details, including police‑and‑liability policies and cost analyses, and that the breeder offered to answer board questions by phone.
No formal decision or contract was approved. Staff said they will continue coordination with the prospective handler(s), the breeder and town attorneys before bringing a concrete proposal to a future meeting.
