Deer Culling:

Neither Safe Nor Acceptable

To the Editor:

As a resident of Newtown, I was very disturbed and disappointed to learn from Lorrie Silber’s newsletter that our town is talking about forming a task force to decide whether or not to allow deer culling.

 Our property is one that borders a town-designated “open space” that would be part of the town’s consideration where deer culling by “bowhunting” or by “net and bolt” (both very cruel methods) would be considered. I always thought that the beauty of living in the country is to allow, preserve and protect our wildlife as much as possible. I am absolutely shocked and appalled at the town for even considering passing such a cruel and primitive act.

One would truly think that our elected officials would have other pressing matters to worry about besides trivially pleasing the lobbying hunters and allowing deer killing in our very own town, while our country, states, and towns are going through the most serious trying times!

Not only the very idea of killing deer in our backyards is utterly outrageous and extremely dangerous, it also puts us residents as well as our pets who are always playing outdoors in direct danger. Does the town want to assume this risk and take on such liabilities?! Can they afford this and is the risk worth it? Has the town consulted with their insurance carrier to see what this does to the town’s insurance premiums? And how would the town settle claims, by increasing more our property taxes? No thanks!

I don’t want to see our homes’ value plummet more then they have in this economy because of such irresponsible ordinance passed by our town’s elected officials. This is not what I voted for!

I support Newtown’s coalition in its efforts of opposing the town’s initiative on deer culling. To Newtown’s selectman: I urge him to consider opposing such a disturbing and irresponsible idea. If hunters want to kill deer, they can go elsewhere where deer hunting is safe and acceptable. Not in Newtown!

Sincerely, Micheline Baker

Clearview Drive, Sandy Hook                                December 15, 2008