Police in Spotswood are searching for a hit-and-run driver who struck and killed seven geese Monday near a lake in the Middlesex County borough, authorities said.
The birds were hit around 6:45 p.m. in the area of Devoe Avenue near Devoe Lake, Spotswood police said.
Police are unsure if the geese were struck accidentally or intentionally as the driver fled before officers arrived.
Geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and any intentional harm caused them might be a violation of both state and federal regulations, police noted.
“We take all incidents involving wildlife seriously, especially those that may involve intentional harm to the animals,” Spotswood police Capt. Edward Schapley said in a statement.
A man convicted of
running over five geese in a parking lot
in Toms River in 2021 faced up to 90 days in jail but instead was sentenced to two years probation.
Anyone who witnessed the the birds being struck Monday or might have relevant video footage is asked to call Spotswood police Det. John Fedak or Ptl. Antonio Rizzolo at 732-251-2121.
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