The city of Longueuil will not begin the slaughter of white-tailed deer in Michel Chartrand Park until next fall, Mayor Catherine Fournier announced Wednesday, amid about 10 demonstrators against the herd reduction operation. You could hear them at the entrance to the city hall.
Published at 9:45 am. Updated at 10:27 am.
The controlled crossbow hunt is carried out by professional hunters selected through a tender that the city will publish in a few months.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
A young demonstrator in front of the town hall.
“We relied on expert opinions that say the crossbow is the most appropriate means of controlled hunting,” emphasized local councilor Jonathan Tabarah, who represents the district where Michel Chartrand Park is located.
Longueuil confirmed its right to continue the slaughter of deer that threatens the park's ecological balance after a two-year legal battle that ended with a court decision last October.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Catherine Fournier
This story has met with strong opposition from animal rights activists. So much so that Mayor Fournier is the subject of ongoing police surveillance following threats. Police were also present in large numbers during Wednesday's press conference to prevent protesters from entering the room where the press conference was taking place.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS