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Oh Sh*t
Spring has sprung in Hoboken, and it seems like goose poop has sprung around the city’s parks. In an effort to curb those geese from using Pier A as their dumping grounds, the Hoboken City Council could be bringing in Geese Chasers, who use Border Collies to chase and herd the geese. The contract with the geese clearing company will be voted on during the City Council meeting on April 8th, 2026. Here’s what we know about the Geese Chasers and the geese control service that could be coming to Hoboken.
About Geese Chasers
There are a ton of ways to try to mitigate Canadian Geese from taking over a local park or yard. Scarecrows, chemicals, flags, balloons, pop guns, noise makers, fencing, and sound machines are all different methods, but Geese Chasers claim that using trained Border Collies is the most effective.
Geese Chasers have been around New Jersey for over 20 years. The company uses specially trained Border Collies to chase and herd geese. Geese Chasers say they do not hurt, injure, or capture the geese. Their dogs are friendly and have been properly socialized with children and other animals.
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The Geese Chasers website features a quote from The Humane Society, saying, “The most effective way to scare geese away is with trained goose-herding dogs. Herding dogs convince geese they are not safe from predators. This should only be done by specially trained dogs working with a handler.”
The company services properties seven days a week, several times a day, to move geese out. According to their website, it can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to clear the flock of geese. The company serves commercial, residential, state, city, and municipal properties across Northern New Jersey, including Warren, Sussex, Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Union counties.
Chasing Geese From Hoboken
The problem is more than just a gross eyesore at parks; it’s a health issue, too. A recent Reddit thread warned Hoboken locals and visitors that their mother and one-year-old child tested positive for Listeria after visiting Pier A. The Reddit user says they tested the goose poop at Pier A, and it tested positive as well.
Listeria is an illness typically caused by bacteria that can spread through many foods. The FDA says a less severe version of the illness could have symptoms like fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The more severe, invasive form of the disease may include symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Invasive listeriosis is potentially life-threatening, especially for newborns, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems.
Hoboken City Council is set to vote on the $18,995 contract with Geese Chasers during their meeting at 7PM on April 8th. Hoboken City Hall clarified that the city already uses border collies for geese control and maintenance, and the contract tonight is supplemental.
“The Hoboken Health Division has not received any reports of listeriosis since September of 2025, and as per the State, there have been no recent listeria cases among Hudson County residents,” Marilyn Baer, Communications Manager for the City of Hoboken, told HG.
“Typically, our health officials receive positive communicable disease results directly from the lab, through a secure electronic reporting system. Any residents who test positive for any communicable disease are encouraged to contact the Health Division at 201-420-2000, ext. 1621.”
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The Hoboken Girl reached out to members of City Council to learn more about the program that could be coming to the city soon. Hoboken City Council Vice President Phil Cohen is behind the resolution and told HG, “Hoboken needs Geese Chasers to get to work ASAP, and I look forward to supporting their contract tonight. Geese Chasers’ collie dogs and goose control specialists will be on call 24/7 to manage our uptown waterfront parks and public green spaces that are sadly fouled by goose poop that is both unsightly and unhealthy, as it can carry listeria and other bacteria like E. coli.”
Diane Imus, Councilwoman for the Sixth Ward, told HG that the goose poop is a bigger problem for the waterfront parks. Diane says, “As the weather warms, I want our residents to be able to enjoy our public spaces and be able to walk their dogs, play, spread out a blanket to picnic or sunbathe, and as it is now, it’s unsanitary and virtually impossible. It’s disgusting – there’s no other way to say it. I fully support Geese Chasers to clear the geese from our parks in as humane a way as possible. Some may have an issue with dogs chasing geese, but I have seen great success with this in suburban areas.”
The Hoboken Girl has reached out to all members of City Council and will continue to update this piece as we hear from more members.
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