On a recent morning at Liberty Harbor Marina in Jersey City, New Jersey, a marina worker allegedly brutally killed a male Canada goose with his bare hands — in front of the goose's mate and three newly hatched goslings.

According to witnesses and animal rescue group PAD PAWS, the worker provoked the goose before killing him in a parking lot near Liberty State Park. The goose had been protective of his family, as Canada geese naturally are during nesting season. He posed no threat that required lethal force. "All this man had to do was walk away," PAD PAWS wrote.

What he did instead is a federal crime.

Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which makes it illegal to harm, capture, or kill them without specific federal and state permits. Violating the act can carry fines and criminal penalties.

The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Jersey City's Division of Animal Care and Control are all now investigating. Jersey City's city spokesman confirmed the city "takes matters involving animal cruelty seriously."

The mother goose and her goslings remain at the marina, mourning. PAD PAWS has raised urgent concerns about their safety.

Investigations are underway — but the community needs to make clear that this cannot be brushed aside. Sign this petition to demand that prosecutors pursue the strongest possible charges and that Liberty Harbor Marina be held accountable for what happened on its property.