Posts on Social Media Featuring Animal Abuse/Neglect

I’ve rescued over 500 ducks and geese and have seen, firsthand, things you never in your lifetime want to see. I have pulled animals from situations, raced them to the vet and held them in my arms while easing them over, so they could at least see ONE loving face before they leave this world. I will be haunted by what I’ve witnessed for the rest of my life. When you’re asleep at night, I’m probably awake, or in the midst of a relatively short interval of sleep.

Sometimes people who are new to getting to know me on social media will share/tag me on posts that show neglected or abused waterfowl. I know they’re just trying to help, but what you might not yet know about me is that I cannot bear to witness these things. I’ve already seen far, far too much. The ones who are physically in front of me, I can help—and do, but I can’t reach out and pull those who are in photos and videos into my arms. Witnessing their discomfort, fear or pain is absolute pain and horror for me because I’m unable to physically grab them into my arms and save them.

Although I have a waterfowl sanctuary, my voice is no louder than yours when it comes to this kind of issue. I’m so overwhelmingly busy doing all of the hands-on work here, that I have no choice but to leave these other injustices entirely to you. Your voice is just as powerful as mine and can do just as much good if you choose to use it, and if you know how to use it. The trick is really in intelligence, compassion and NUMBERS. The more people step up (and smartly), the further you get.

People who work at animal shelters don’t have more clout than you do in this regard, I promise. Trust me, these large organizations with overpaid CEO’s don’t much care about the voices of us “little independent shelters.” It’s not our voice you need, but everyone else’s around you—again… NUMBERS! You all have to do it together and if you rely on someone else to do it for you, it will NOT get done and the animal will not receive the help they so desperately need. YOU have to be their voice. It’s as simple as that.

If you see a post where an animal is being abused or neglected, where it’s resulting in direct pain, suffering, trauma, etc.—REPORT it immediately. First, through the social media outlet, next to a national animal rights organization Humane Society or ASPCA and third (if you know where the person lives) to their local animal regulatory agencies (ex. Animal Control Officer). This should be done by as many people as possible and as quickly as possible. You want a rapid and large-scale, direct response.

On the other hand, if you see an animal being treated in a way that probably isn’t great for them, but on the other hand isn’t injuring them, many of these big organizations won’t care—especially if it’s in regard to what they consider “a farm bird.” So what do you do then? In the case of a duck (or goose), you do THIS:

Most people who mistreat or neglect a pet duck aren’t doing so with cruel intentions, but do so out of ignorance. They just DON’T KNOW how to properly care for their pet duck. This means, in a situation like this, you have to teach them, but you have to do this kindly and respectfully to get the best result. Don’t ridicule them, or they’re just going to get defensive and ignore you. Keep it simple and just pick one thing to teach them. Instead of saying, “You’re hurting that animal! I’m reporting you!” try  something like:  “Did you know that a better way to do this would be… because…” BE BRIEF. And then add, “Here’s a great article about it…” and give them a web link that leads them exactly where they need to go.

FYI… Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary’s website has 193 monthly newsletters archived for easy viewing. You can do a website search on just about any duck issue and find helpful information to share with them via a link. Now consider this:  Would it be best to start with a private message to them, so they don’t feel publically attacked and get defensive? Hmmm… Perhaps. How would you feel if someone posted this comment beneath your post? Would you react positively? If not, you may want to rephrase your comment, so that it works best FOR YOU and for that animal.

When you post a comment or send a private message, be BRIEF and SMART. If you need to be firm, also be polite (flies with honey). Choose your words wisely and remember what your English teachers have taught you, so you’re being understood correctly. All of this matters if you want your opinion respected. Avoid slang, abbreviations, or typing in all caps (which is understood to be YELLING) and then punctuate your sentences and check for typos before you make it official. Read it over a few times and be sure you’re saying the best thing, in the best way possible, in order to be most effective in helping the animal. You may have to blow some fake smoke their way to do this, believe me… I know. Remember:  If they care about their pet and you can intrigue them, they’ll want to know more. Your goal is to get them to ASK you for this information. And remember, it’s okay if a hundred of you do this independently of one another. The more of you who do this, the harder it is for that one pet owner to write you off as, “crazy, wrong," or "stupid."

If this tactic doesn’t work, it’s time to post openly in the public comments (if you haven’t already), but again, try not to attack. Try to TEACH. And then, select some of the, “Oh, I want a duck so I can do this too!” response comments and reply to them as well. Teach the other members of the audience directly with something like, “Actually, this is really unhealthy for the duck. A bunch of pet duck owners have reached out to them privately about it. Here’s an article here: (web link).” You can do this in response to as many of the comments as you want, but it’s best if a large number of people do this (not just you), so they don’t just think you’re some unfounded, one-off opinion.

You can certainly report the post to the social media outlet, but be careful this doesn’t block YOU from seeing the post again, or you might be instantly blocked from your own cause.  

I hope this information helps you address the injustices you’re seeing in a way that has the best chance of seeing results—the best chance of actually helping the animal in trouble. I’m trusting these battles to you because I have absolute faith in you. And if you focus on these animals for me, I can continue to focus my attention on the animals right here in my care who need me so much. Thank you and bless you!

XXOO --Kim

Majestic's Net Gun Purchase Information

A few of you have asked, so as promised, here's information about our sanctuary's new net gun. We purchased the Platinum package from thenetgunstore.com and it included everything you see in the below photo. Tony was able to successfully nab a basketball on his second attempt (he barely missed the first time) and then safely rescue Loche the abandoned Muscovy duck by his third use.

The good thing about practicing is, this system has re-packable netting, but be advised it's not easy because the nets do get tangled, making it an intricate process. Tony is currently working on a simple jig that should make the process easier (according to his online research).

The net gun requires one CO2 cartrige per use. These are NON-THREADED cartriges, so be careful when ordering that you get the right kind (you can find them on amazon), or they won't be compatible.

In actual use, and after capturing an animal, understand that the net will probably have to be safely cut away in order to free them. It's well worth it when rescuing a duck or goose, though! Just remember to bring safe bandage-cutting scissors with you as part of your rescue kit. Bandage-cutting scissors have safe knubs at the tips of the blades to prevent any accidental pokes to the animal in the net.

Every Momma Duck & Poppa Goose Should Have One (or both!)

For more thorough information on pet ducks and geese, check out The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook and The Ultimate Pet Goose Guidebook, which are both available in b&w and color versions on AmazonSmile. Each is over 400 pages and contains hundreds of helpful (and fun!) photos and diagrams.

The Ultimate Pet Goose Guidebook (b&w):  $24.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1517238951/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

The Ultimate Pet Goose Guidebook (color):  $64.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1508497621/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook (b&w):  $26.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1517238951/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook (color):  $64.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501043803/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with any guidance provided on this website. Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any federal, state or municipal law or regulation with which such guidance may conflict. Any guidance is general in nature. In addition, the assistance of a qualified professional should be enlisted to address any specific circumstances.

© Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary 2021