A self-proclaimed “goose whisperer” who has battled Surfside Beach for years over the treatment and protection of the birds has filed a federal lawsuit against the town, claiming her rights were violated.
The lawsuit was filed by Maria Pesce on April 16, the same day that the town council heard recommendations by Police Chief William Mickle to amend its current goose ordinance to make it stronger. The ordinance would make it illegal for anyone to feed wildlife or waterfowl, including geese, on both public and private property within the town limits.
The suit names the town, Mickle and two unnamed officers who served cease and desist letters to Pesce after a neighborhood complaint against her was filed…