Mt. Lebanon has been trying to reduce its deer population with a controversial program in which deer are baited, trapped into a small area, and then shot. Township officials have said they are trying to reduce the number of incidents involving deer and cars.Tom Fazi, Information and Education Supervisor for the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Southwest Region, says the plan was developed by Mt. Lebanon's community leaders, and that the Commission is there to guide their decision-making.
"They met the provisions of the law in all respects. We are duty-bound to offer them the permit. That doesn't mean we'll wash our hands of it. We have the authority to revoke this permit immediately if the provisions aren't met." -Tom Fazi
But some members of the community say the deer cull is inhumane and barbaric. Leila Sleiman, a representative of Pittsburgh Animal Rights believes that the process is not being accurately presented to the community.
"From its conception, this plan has not been transparent. It has nothing to do with public safety or how inhumane it is. It's been hurdle after hurdle for [local government], of doing things wrong with public safety not in mind." -Leila Sleiman
They were joined by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter John Hayes, who has been covering this issue.
Also in the program is a discussion of Hillary Clinton's email account usage, with former U.S. Ambassador Dan Simpson.
Mt. Lebanon Deer Cull (00:00)
Mt. Lebanon has been trying to reduce its deer population with a controversial program in which deer are baited, trapped into a small area and then shot. Township officials have said they are trying to reduce the number of incidents involving deer and cars. But some members of the community say the deer cull is inhumane and barbaric. Tom Fazi, Information and Education Supervisor for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Southwest Region, and Leila Sleiman, a representative of Pittsburgh Animal Rights share their views of the program, along with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter John Hayes.
Hillary's Emails (38:05)
One week after Hillary Clinton revealed she exclusively used personal email to handle official business when she was Secretary of State, she finally addressed reporters. But has she satisfied her critics? As a former U.S. Ambassador and now a columnist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Dan Simpson gives his personal take on the situation.
To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.
