The nanny state is now coming after a Camden man whose bird-feeding hobby town authorities say far exceeds the norm is now under legal orders to curb the habit.
Town officials decided earlier this month to file legal action against Gian-Angelo Gallace, who lives in an upscale neighborhood at 11 Chestnut Hill, for allegedly attracting rats.
Though Gallace argues that his bird-feeding hobby is completely harmless, the town says he’s creating a neighborhood pest problem.
“We’re at the end of the trail now,” said town attorney Bill Kelly, told the Bangor Daily News in an attempt at wit that fell short of the mark. “We’re going to court.”
Town Manager Audra Caler said Gallace’s feeding birds and creating habitats on his property has led to a rodent infestation in the neighborhood not far from downtown.
Kaler said town officials have been trying to work with Gallace for several years to try to get him to comply with the town’s feeding regulations.
Camden forbids feeding waterfowl and also songbirds by means of other than a regular bird feeder such as leaving food on the ground they can attract wild animals.
Gallace has pushed back against the claims that his bird-feeding is attracting rats to his neighborhood, roughly three-quarters of a mile south of downtown, according to Midcoast Villager.
Gallace earlier this year wrote to town officials stating that “until the town can legitimately demonstrate that rats are present, I will continue to responsibly feed birds at least through the cold winter months,” the paper reported.
