oh...deer,7miles...is that far?
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Posted on 02/21/2002 4:17:56 PM PST by Mr Fowl
PETA Vehicle Collides With Deer, PETA to Sue State Game Agency
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Group Goes After N.J. Fish and Wildlife Agencies for Expanding Deer Populations to Provide Living Targets for State Hunting Minority
For Immediate Release:
February 14, 2002
Contact:
Matthew Penzer 757-622-7382
When a deer took out the entire front end of the car driven by two PETA anti-hunting campaigners, PETA saw red—and it wasn’t just the blood of the animal they believe was fleeing hunters’ guns. Today, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) faxed to Bob McDowell, director of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, and John Bradway, chairman of the Fish and Game Council, a notice of intent to sue them as a result of the collision late last November.
PETA maintains that this accident—as well as thousands more that take place every year— was caused by the state’s mismanagement of the deer population, which includes purposely increasing herd sizes in order to provide more live targets for hunters and so jeopardizes the well-being of people who use the roads. In 1999 alone, there were more than 14,000 deer-vehicle collisions reported in New Jersey.
PETA argues that by placing the interests of hunters, who amount to barely more than 1 percent of New Jersey’s population, above the safety of the more than 8 million New Jersey residents and countless out-of-state travelers who use the roads, wildlife agencies are violating the state’s constitutional mandate to provide protection and security to its people. PETA also opposes the fear, the disruption of herd members’ relationships, and the bloodshed suffered by the deer on grounds of cruelty to animals.
"Motorists should be warned that New Jersey’s highways aren’t safe, thanks to wildlife management programs that put the amusement of hunters ahead of the safety of drivers," says PETA Legal Counsel Matthew Penzer, who hopes that this suit will encourage others. "New Jersey wildlife managers are creating dangerous conditions for both people and deer."
A copy of PETA’s letter to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife follows.
February 14, 2002
Bob McDowell, Director
New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
P.O. Box 400
Trenton, NJ 08625-0400
Dear Mr. McDowell:
Pursuant to New Jersey state law, this will serve as notice that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Dan Shannon, and Jay Kelly each reserves the right to bring an action for damages and/or injuries sustained in an automobile crash on November 16, 2001. Shortly before 1 o’clock in the morning on that date, while driving a Honda Civic belonging to PETA (and while returning from a PETA campaigning tour) southbound on the New Jersey Turnpike, a deer darted out in front of the car and a collision resulted. The collision occurred at or near mile marker 15.4 in Woolwich Township, Gloucester County. Damage to the car was severe, resulting in a repair bill that exceeded $6,000.00 and loss of use of the car for nearly two months. The total amount of damages is, as yet, unknown.
PETA, Mr. Shannon, and Mr. Kelly believe that this collision, which occurred near the start of New Jersey’s hunting season, was caused by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife Division and the Fish and Game Council as a result of their deer management program, which includes, in certain circumstances, an affirmative effort to increase deer populations. Despite the known dangers an increased deer population poses to motorists in the state, the Division and Council actively assist in increasing the deer population for the purpose of enhancing hunting opportunities and license revenues. The result, as was the case here, is a significant number of auto-deer collisions each year, causing significant injuries and property damage.
The New Jersey State Constitution expressly mandates that the government’s responsibility is the protection, security, and benefit of the people. The state’s deer management program effectively places recreational interests over safety interests, thereby violating the obligations of the government to, above all, act in the best interests of public safety. The constitution further ensures the rights of persons to enjoy and defend their rights to, among other things, life, property, and safety. The deer management program, which exists only for recreational and economic interests, inherently threatens those rights the state constitution guarantees, and is, therefore, unlawful.
Please send any notices to the address listed on this letterhead. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Matthew Penzer
Legal Counsel
oh...deer,7miles...is that far?
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And how do they know the animal wasn't just out taking his daily stroll when they so wantonly and cruelly took his life with their weapon of choice--their Honda? Perhaps New Jersey would be better off just banning Hondas. Or better yet, PETA wackos.
Since it happened to one of THEM, however, it couldn't be their fault! Hypocrisy at its finest!
BTW, anyone ever think to clue them in that the fastest way to reduce deer population size, and by far the most effective way, is by hunting?
SAVE THE CARS! SHOOT THE DEER!
If they had been driving an SUV, like they were supposed to, this wouldn't have been a big deal. Kill the deer, keep going. That would have made PETA happy. ???
Oh I'm sorry, did I just call you a drunk?
I wish I had their home addresses. I'd love to arrange for some venison to be delivered.
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