Letter to the editor: Hunting in Pittsburgh parks

The City of Pittsburgh recently approved an inhumane plan to kill some of its most gentle and beautiful inhabitants by allowing the cruel bow hunting of deer in Frick and Riverview parks (“Pittsburgh approves limited deer hunting program in city parks,” Sept. 6, TribLIVE).

Claims that these native animals, who have lived harmoniously in their forest ecosystems for millions of years, now need hunters to lower their numbers ignores basic wildlife ecology principles. Animal populations naturally find equilibrium at levels the environment can sustain, so temporary reductions are short-sighted at best. Experts agree that nonsurgical sterilization is the only effective humane long-term option.

The reasons cited for this decision are unfounded. Low speed limits within surrounding residential streets eliminate risks to vehicles that are driving safely. Grazing on backyard gardens is easily preventable by excluding deer (rather than impaling them), and many native flora species are already deer resistant in our forests. Studies have found that deer hunting does not reduce tick density or Lyme disease prevalence.

Worst of all, research shows that between 25% and 50% of bow-hunted deer are not killed instantly and suffer terribly during the chase or for days if they get away. Not to mention the message this sends to other hunters who will undoubtedly cite this as justification for rogue hunting elsewhere in Pittsburgh.

As residents of our beloved city, do we really want the blood and suffering of innocent animals paving park trails for our families and children to walk on? Those outraged should call the mayor immediately and demand a halt to this cruel measure.

Cem Akin

Squirrel Hill