Target: Bryan Bedford, Administrator of Federal Aviation Administration
Goal: Use trained dogs to chase wildlife from possible collision areas around airports.
A West Virginia airport has literally gone to the dogs. Hercules and Ned are West Virginia International Yeager Airport’s highest-profile and most beloved employees. Every day, the border collies perform a service that protects the lives of both human passengers and of wildlife that have made the grounds around the airport their home.
In just one year’s time, over 20,000 reports of aircraft and wildlife (typically bird) collisions occurred. In a 30-plus-year span, the number of collisions soared to nearly half a million. These tragedies have claimed dozens of human lives, and for the animals involved, they are more often than not fatal. That’s where Hercules and Ned – and their Michigan predecessor Piper – come in. The dogs’ mission is to scuttle birds ranging from starlings to turkey vultures from the areas surrounding the runway. By all accounts, once their life-saving duties are over, the border collies are treated well, with plenty of food, play-time, rest, and adoration (they even have a photo shrine dedicated to them).
Sign the petition below to urge a nationwide adoption of this life-saving initiative.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Administrator Bedford,
When domesticated animals have the opportunity to play unlikely and unsung heroes for their wildlife counterparts – while safeguarding human lives in the process – everyone wins. The programs introduced first by Michigan’s Cherry Capital Airport and later by the West Virginia International Yeager Airport have proven this win is possible. Both airports utilized the talents of border collies to clear airport runways of the birds and wildlife that have been involved in an average of 20,000-plus dangerous aircraft collisions every year.
If this investment is made at airports across America, countless passengers and wildlife could be removed from harm’s way. Please evaluate, promote, and encourage funding for a battle-tested and furry form of animal conservation and passenger protection.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Екатерина Шинкаренко
