Organization Urges Dept. of Conservation and Recreation to Consider Humane Alternatives to Reduce Deer Population
BOSTON, Oct. 29, 2015 – The MSPCA-Angell condemns the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation’s (DCR) decision to cull the deer population in the Blue Hills, a practice that neither reduces the long-term deer population or the conflicts they purportedly cause.
DCR has dismissed out of hand the use of contraception as a non-lethal alternative, claiming the practice is too expensive and does not work.
However, the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University—along with the Humane Society of the United States—are currently working with several federal and state agencies, as well as communities and municipalities, to develop and implement wildlife fertility control projects.
The Humane Society of the U.S. has indicated a strong interest in supporting a Massachusetts site, but DCR failed to give a fair consideration to the use of non-lethal alternatives.
“We are disappointed by the hurried and ill-considered decision-making process,” said Laura Hagen, deputy director of advocacy, MSPCA-Angell. “Contraception is a humane, long-lasting approach to population control and we believe this approach should be prioritized.”
Hagen added that the public process lacked transparency and failed to consider public input. “The public process was rushed and public comments at the meetings – overwhelmingly in opposition to the plan –were ignored, leaving the impression that the final plan was little more than a foregone conclusion,” she said.
“We hope DCR will, in the future, give a fair consideration to humane management alternatives and will provide a meaningful opportunity for consideration of public input,” added Hagen.
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The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mspcaangell
