Man accused of killing goose on property

A 65-year-old from Manasquan faces charges for killing a goose that was defecating on his property Tuesday. Dave Martens, 65, has been charged with animal cruelty for shooting a goose that was pooping

News 12 Staff

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Jun 11, 2009, 12:56 AM

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Updated 5,612 days ago

A 65-year-old from Manasquan faces charges for killing a goose that was defecating on his property Tuesday.

Dave Martens, 65, has been charged with animal cruelty for shooting a goose that was pooping on his deck with a pellet gun.

"It was an accident," he says. "[SPCA Chief Buddy Amato] knows it was an accident. I didn't mean to kill it. This is being blown out of proportion. Amato is just a publicity seeker."

Amato calls Martens' actions inappropriate for this day in age.

"It's not just the act of killing the goose it's the mentality that goes behind it," says Amato. "It's just not accepted in today's society."

While Amato and others are condemning the shooting, others stand by Martens.

"It's really no big deal," says Sue Miscia, Martens' girlfriend. "This happens all the time around here and this kid down the street all of a sudden got all nuts about it."

"There's a lot of geese," says fellow Manasquan resident Mimi Wulfekotte, who agrees the bird's death is not a big deal.

Martens is scheduled to appear in court next month. He could face up to a $1,000 and community service if convicted.

For more on the goose incident, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.