Saddle River really, really hates animals.
Or most of them.
The deer hunting season is over. At long last. Those doe eyed creatures that cause so much destruction to millionaire gardeners, who want to see them killed, is over.
Finally.
In a hunting season that showed both passion against the hunt and complete indifference to it a total of 135 deer were killed, give or take a few.
Despite the best efforts of deer loving people Saddle River risked the safety of its residents, it’s children, it’s workers, the public passing through the town to satisfy the need for the tidy, unnibbled, pristine landscapes. But rest assured it will be back again later this year. Without a vote or support of the residents.
Animal lovers all?
Not really.
This was the town that had a turkey wandering around a few years ago that had an arrow through it. It drifted around the Saddle River for several years (no doubt in pain), and no one was able to capture it. And the hunter whose aim left a lot to be desired couldn’t complete the job properly.
Animal cruelty.
This is the town that ordered the police to shoot coyotes on sight.
Where just for an extra good measure they lumped foxes into the deer hunt.
Where one resident took it upon himself to kill one of the the mute swan pair that resided in the pond.
And now they have dogs and dog owners in their sights.
Following a dispute between neighbors involving a barking dog Saddle River will now fine dog owners if their dog barks from more that 20 minutes.
There are also rumors circulating that they might jail the dog owners if the barking continues.
Interesting.
This is a town where every property is on a minimum of 2 acres, and most properties have multiple acres. So poor Fido can’t enjoy the run of the vast estate and do what dogs do. Bark, chase, basically live like a dog.
It might do Saddle River residents some good to reflect on their super privileged existence where they don’t have to resort to NYC Wildlife Bingo to identify what, if any, creatures they have actually seen.
Consider that New York City is home to millions, where the residents go into a frenzy for sightings of rare ducks and other wildlife, and grab opportunities to observe, photograph and experience up close the non-human visitors to the city.
Meanwhile “bucolic” (their words) Saddle River which is surrounded by nature, where residents don’t have to take their children to zoos to see wildlife, want everything sterilized, managed, controlled. If the wildlife gets in the way, just kill it.
From the Borough of Saddle River website:
In an era of unbridled development we are committed to the preservation of a community, of unique character reminiscent of quiet rural life styles which were prevalent in years gone by. We hope that you share our respect for the past, in a contemporary setting and will be able to enjoy the quality of life that Saddle River provides.
Interesting. With the probability of a horse farm coming to the town it leaves one wondering how safe it will be for the horses. But given the fact that the town will make money from this enterprise it no doubt is guaranteed to be safe from the cross hairs of the mayor and council.
But what’s next?
Squirrels?
Chipmunks?
The Easter Bunny?