Girl, 11, saves baby woodpecker; faces $500 fine from feds

[03trubluGT]

see #49
http://www.fws.gov/duspit/contactus.htm

I was really hoping to get exactly where she worked, and not some general (we're gonna round file this) mailbox.

[Silverback]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2021631/It-misunderstanding-Wildlife-agency-apologises-fining-girls-mother-535-saving-baby-woodpecker.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Two weeks later, the officer appeared at the family's home accompanied by a state trooper and a $535 citation for unlawfully taking a migratory bird.

Alison Capo said she refused to take it, but was later mailed a notice to appear in U.S. District Court.

Facing up to a year behind bars, Ms Capo told the media she felt 'harassed and angry.'

Seven weeks on, the agency has cancelled the charge.

A statement issued by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued today reads: [B]'On June 13, a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service observed a woman carrying a cage that contained a woodpecker at a home improvement store in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Cancelled: The citation has since been revoked and a notice has been sent to Ms Capo explaining the error 'As possession of a bird may potentially violate the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the agent initiated an inquiry to determine whether a potential violation had occurred.

'Upon speaking with the subject, later identified as Alison Capo, on June 27, the agent determined that no further action was warranted. A citation that had been previously drafted by the agent was cancelled on June 28.

'Unfortunately, the citation was processed unintentionally despite our office's request to cancel the ticket. The Service has contacted Ms. Capo to express our regret. The Service is also sending Ms. Capo a formal letter explain the clerical error and confirming that ticket should never have been issued.

'This misunderstanding was the result of a Service inquiry into possible violations of federal wildlife law. In particular the Service is responsible for the protection of all federally listed migratory birds. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries did not participate in the inquiry.'

[Silverback]

Even Al's original story is now updated as well.

[ceyko]

I would have given that girl a pat on the back.

I would even understand explaining what she's doing wrong and working with her to get the situation fixed. (i.e. go outside and let it fly away if could or taking it for "rehab" or something)

Probably would've never made any news had that happened.

[Broncojohnny]

Even Al's original story is now updated as well.

It is hilarious how things become "accidently processed" when you get thousands of emails and some of those probably include threats from crazy anti-government nutcases.

[Broncojohnny]

Jezzus Christ, can you guys give it a rest?

My comment actually wasn't directed at you but hey if you got some sort of guilty conscience....

[Silverback]

Honestly it sounds like an overzealous hippie wanna be cop (Parks and Wildlife) got all bent out of shape about seeing an endangered woodpecker.

[talisman]

Funny. Matt, if you actually wrote them that would be pretty cool. Something tells me the Fidh and Game woman would have known there was a processing error around the time she was standing on the ladies porch giving her the ticket. Deny everything. Pathetic.

[03trubluGT]

Funny. Matt, if you actually wrote them that would be pretty cool. Something tells me the Fidh and Game woman would have known there was a processing error around the time she was standing on the ladies porch giving her the ticket. Deny everything. Pathetic.

I'm usually not one for policing another agency, I have enough taking care of the one I'm with, but this was rediculous.

So a little girl saves the life of an endangered animal, goes the extra mile to try to feed and make sure it can survive in the wild, and instead gets treated like a criminal.

This is insane. Where do people lose all contact with reality?

[Silverback]

This is insane. Where do people lose all contact with reality?

[FTP hat]Typically when they get into public service[/FTP hat]

[03trubluGT]

[FTP hat]Typically when they get into public service[/FTP hat]

I'm gonna falcon punch you the next time I see you!!!!

[Rick Modena]

[FTP hat]Typically when they get into public service[/FTP hat]

lmfao!

[jakesford]

So the lesson to be learned is that you should never shop at Lowes.

[Osiris]

[ftp hat]typically when they get into public service[/ftp hat]

:d :d :d

lmfao!

[71chevellejohn]

I would have given that girl a pat on the back.

And it's this type of attitude that will keep you out of the Fish and Wildlife dept.!!!