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Protesters State Case Against Proposed Deer Cull In Ann Arbor Parks

ANN ARBOR (WWJ/AP) -- A group of displeased protesters voiced their concerns in front of Ann Arbor city hall on Monday night over a plan to kill 100 deer over the next few months in parks around the city.

Some residents say the deer have become a nuisance, while others -- like Cynthia Lunan -- say the kill isn't necessary.

"For reasons that baffle me, there is no scientific or factual reason that I have seen to support this action," Lunan said. "That is what this final march and protest is about."

The Ann Arbor City Council is set to vote on the plan Monday evening.

In November, the Ann Arbor City Council voted 8-1 in favor of spending up to $35,000 to hire sharpshooters to lure and kill 100 deer at night in city-owned parks and natural areas. In order for the cull to take place, the council also voted to change a city law to allow the discharge of weapons in public places.

A study by the DNR showed that car/deer crashes have actually dropped in Washtenaw County, which has some residents scratching their heads.

"Would you please look at something else and don't just jump into this just because a handful of very wealthy homeowners -- who choose to live in wooded areas -- are losing their petunias," Lunan said. "That's not a reason to spend $90,000 to shoot 100 deer."

 

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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