Farm Owner Joins Federal Fight to Protect Flock

April 14, 2010 - PRLog -- Hempstead, TX – For animal rescuer Tobi Kosanke, the writing is just about on the wall.  Of the 200 or so animals that consider her Texas farm their home – nearly three dozen of them just landed in the government’s crosshairs.  The feds recently made a ruling that essentially declared open season on Muscovy ducks.  From now on it may be shoot to kill, but Kosanke will not let the ruling go down without a fight.

Kosanke owns Crazy K Farm, a working farm located just outside of Houston.  Thirty Muscovy ducks roam the 35-acre sprawl on any given day.  The majority of these ducks are rescues that were placed by the SPCA, but some of them lived on the farm long before Kosanke.

“Our lives here at Crazy K Farm have been greatly improved by the presence of our sweet natured, highly entertaining Muscovy ducks,” Crazy K Farm owner Tobi Kosanke said.  “Our lives are ruled by ducks and we like it that way.  Unfortunately, that is likely to change.”

The Muscovy, which is a non-migrating bird, is a large duck native to Mexico, South America, and Central America.  Due to recent northward expansion, the ducks have established some small natural breeding grounds in parts of southern Texas, and they can be found in several locations throughout Florida.  Muscovies have also been introduced in many locations throughout the United States.  Not only can these ducks be found in just about every public park and pond across the country, Muscovies are kept as pets and show poultry, and they are raised by many people as a food source.

On March 31st, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) added the Muscovy duck to its list of Migratory Birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).  The FWS decided to take control over Muscovies after several individuals and States, primarily Florida and Texas, started expressing concern that the ducks have become a nuisance.  Reports of property damage and aggressiveness led the FWS to establish an order to manage feral populations.  This control order allows anyone to destroy the ducks, their nests and their eggs anywhere outside of their natural habitat in rural, southern Texas.  Additionally, anyone in the U.S. who owns, hatches, or breeds Muscovy ducks, or anyone who keeps them as show animals or pets, is no longer legally allowed to do so.

“Muscovy ducks have been domesticated since the 1500s.  They have a long history as livestock, pets and show birds in the U.S. and around the world,” Kosanke said.  “By the FWS’ own admission, these ducks are NOT migratory birds.  Muscovies are domesticated pets, livestock, and a prized show breed with standards recognized by the American Poultry Association.  I would like to know why they are being subjected to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act regulations.  Muscovy ducks don’t migrate – the drakes (males) can’t even fly!”

Problems with the FWS ruling immediately arose within a number of communities and small farms, similar to Crazy K Farm, where Muscovy ducks are highly regarded.

“Those in charge of the FWS admitted that when this regulation was proposed, they had no idea what was really out there, that they hadn’t reach out to the right communities,” Kosanke said.  “They didn’t even realize how many people keep these birds and are breeding them for various purposes.”

As a result of the public protest and backlash, the Fed’s enforcement of the ruling, which was to begin on April 1st, was officially put on hold.  In an unprecedented move, the FWS has decided to reopen its rule-making and allow further public comment.  Kosanke is now encouraging people to join Crazy K Farm in making sure the ruling is revised in such a way that Americans can legally own Muscovy ducks.  She is helping to circulate a petition that will be presented to the FWS (http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/481112174), and has put together a list of government contacts, actions, and sample letters on her website (http://www.crazykfarm.com/MuscovyDucks.html).

“Sadly, the regulation is final, but the FWS has agreed to go back through the comment period,” Kosanke said.  “This is a chance for Americans to affect how this regulation will be amended. Now is the time to make your views on this issue known to the Fish and Wildlife Service and other government officials.”

For more information about Crazy K Farm please visit http://www.crazykfarm.com. Media inquiries can be directed to (800) 980-4165.

About Crazy K Farm®
Crazy K Farm® is located in Hempstead, Texas approximately 45 miles northwest of Houston.  Chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, goats and sheep are raised on the 35-acre working farm.  The majority of the animals are rescues.  Crazy K Farm® manufactures quality pet and poultry products including the patents-pending Hen Saver® hen apron, Avian Haven® hut for caged birds and Kitty Holster® cat harness.  The company is a member of the Houston Better Business Bureau, and is in the process of becoming a woman-owned business through the Small Business Administration.

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