In an attempt to reduce the overpopulation of deer, the county is allowing hunting of deer with bows and arrows, which studies have shown is cruel and inefficient.
For every deer struck by an arrow, another may be crippled, but not killed. Studies have also shown that lethal means of population control in deer do not work. Deer have a high reproductive rate and their numbers quickly bounce back to previous levels. Residents are not only upset by the cruel killing of these sweet, gentle animals, they are also fearful of walking in the parks and allowing their children and dogs to walk in the parks.
TELL FAIRFAX COUNTY TO USE HUMANE, EFFICIENT POPULATION CONTROL METHODS
What is Fairfax County Doing?
In an attempt to reduce the overpopulation of deer, the county is allowing hunting of deer with bows and arrows, which studies have shown is cruel and inefficient.
For every deer struck by an arrow, another may be crippled, but not killed. Studies have also shown that lethal means of population control in deer do not work. Deer have a high reproductive rate and their numbers quickly bounce back to previous levels. Residents are not only upset by the cruel killing of these sweet, gentle animals, they are also fearful of walking in the parks and allowing their children and dogs to walk in the parks.
What Is the More Humane and Effective Alternative?
Humane methods of controlling deer populations have been successfully used since 1993. Almost 2,000 deer have been treated in seven states, including on Fire Island, NY, Gaithersberg, MD, and Fripp Island, South Carolina.
A contraceptive vaccine delivered by injection or remotely, by dart, typically reduces pregnancy rates by 80-90%. One treatment prevents deer from having fawns for up to three years.
Tell the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to use humane, efficient methods to control the deer population.
For more information, see:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/deer/tips/deer-humane-control.html?credit=web_id468276217
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/deer/tips/deer-killing-programs-dont-work.html?credit=web_id468276217
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/deer/tips
