Officials in Foster City, California, ruffled the feathers of animal rights groups with their intention to slaughter hundreds of geese after previous efforts failed to decrease the mess of their droppings.

According to KTVU, Canadian geese are causing a problem at beaches and parks, and city authorities have already tried to deter them from using strobe lights, fences, and dogs. Since none of those have worked, the city is seeking to obtain a population control permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which has enraged people who regard it as a harsh approach.

“The geese are animals, and this is their territory as well,” said Erik Allen, a member of the group Direct Action Everywhere. “They are a part of the landscape; they are a part of posterity.”

Allen and his organization helped organize a demonstration against the idea outside city hall on Tuesday.

A city official addressed the matter, recognizing the plans but emphasizing that nothing has yet occurred. Foster City, California officials are debating whether to slaughter geese because their droppings damage rivers.

“No action or decision has been made on the topic, other than the directive to collect the required licenses should the city proceed with lethal removal,” according to the statement.

According to the representative, “Foster City is exploring the deadly removal of a restricted number of geese” owing to a “duty to preserve healthy waterways and pleasant parks.”