The HSUS Calls on Mayor Dixon to Halt Bowhunt for Deer at Loch Raven Reservoir

September 9, 2008

Group Urges Baltimore County, City to Accept Offer to Help Develop Humane Management Plan

WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States denounces the City of Baltimore’s decision to proceed with a new bowhunt for deer scheduled to begin at Loch Raven Reservoir on Sept. 15. The Baltimore County, Md., property is owned by the city and supplies most of the city’s drinking water. 

The HSUS once again appealed to administrators to postpone the hunt, to involve stakeholders in the decision making process and to explore all available non-lethal alternatives. 

“The Humane Society of the United States understands concerns about the impact of deer on the reservoir, but the lives and well-being of these animals must also be a priority for the City and County,” said Stephanie Boyles, wildlife scientist for The HSUS. “We urge Mayor Dixon to prohibit bowhunting at Loch Raven.” 

Bowhunters wound and fail to retrieve up to 50 percent of animals they aim to kill. That means for every animal dragged from the woods by a bowhunter, one animal is left to suffer a slow, excruciating death.

The HSUS urges Mayor Dixon to make the prudent, compassionate decision to prohibit bowhunting at Loch Raven and postpone any proposed deer management actions until a task force is selected, assembled and given time to develop a management plan for the reservoir. The HSUS is ready to assist Mayor Dixon and the County in this endeavor. 

For more information on humanely solving problems with deer, visit humanesociety.org/wildneighbors. 

-30- 

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.