Magpie killers need conscience

I read a segment in recent police reports about a person who called to complain that a neighbor was shooting magpies. He had a box full of dead magpies on his porch. The report said that the caller was informed it is not illegal to shoot magpies. I spoke with the fish and game department, and it is a federal crime to kill magpies.

And yes they are noisy, especially this time of year when their babies are out of the nest and vulnerable. My magpies hate my dog and dive-bomb her, screaming and intimidating her to try to protect their babies.

I’ve had three magpies as pets. Each one has learned to talk better than any parrot I’ve known. My first magpie would talk, laugh and cough with her head between her knees. They live in family units and unlike our state bird, the meadowlark, they rough out the Montana winters like the rest of us. 

They are beautifully iridescent, loyal to their family members and they almost seem to have a sense of humor as they torment my dog. Why would anyone enjoying killing such a fabulous animal? How can someone kill an animal that feels all the same feeling we all do, love of family, devotion, fear, protectiveness, loss, grief and suffering. Why is killing enjoyable? Killing magpies is illegal and anyone who enjoys killing for the sake of killing needs to grow a conscience.

—Jerri Swenson, Whitefish