Enacts the "monk parakeet protection act"

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to enacting the "monk parakeet protection act"

Purpose

To protect the wild Monk Parakeet (a/k/a Quaker parakeet), the parrot species Myiopsitta Monachus, living in a wild state in various parts of the state of New York. This act shall also provide humane methods of relocation or removal, especially where threat to human life, private or public property, or agricultural concerns, are imminent.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 defines legislative intent of bill. A new title, number 27, is amended within Article 11 of the Environmental Conservation law.

Existing law

Currently recognized as non-native - but not invasive species - according to the 2010 Regulatory System for Non-native Species report published by the New York Invasive Species Council.

Justification

Reports of "poaching" (illegal hunting, killing or capturing of animals) and less than humane regard for wild Myiopsitta Monachus parrots (Monk parakeet) nesting sites have led to this legislative need for formal protection of this species.

Quaker parakeets are not harmful to the environment, have not displaced and been a threat to any native species, and have not been proven to cause damage to any public utilities. Although they are considered pests by some because of the nature of their nest building, they are - as a result of this rash thinking - trapped and euthanized as pests by exterminators.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.