End of Prairie Dog Poisoning in Lawton!

lmitchell@cityof.lawton.ok.us, kshahan@cityof.lawton.ok.us, jpurcell@cityof.lawton.ok.us

Larry Mitchell, City Manager
City Manager's Office
103 S.W. Fourth St.
Lawton, OK 73501

Kim Shahan, Director
Parks & Recreation Department
1405 S 11th St.
Lawton, OK 73501

The Honorable John Purcell
Mayor of Lawton
Mayor's Office
3006 N.E. Muse Cir.
Lawton, OK 73501


Dear Officials in Lawton in Oklahoma,

According to news sources, the city of Lawton, Oklahoma, is using poison to kill unwanted prairie dogs in Elmer Thomas Park. According to news reports, despite already trying unsuccessfully twice before to kill these animals—once by poisoning—the city has decided to use cruel and ineffective lethal methods once again in an effort to control the prairie dog population.

Poisons can cause convulsions, vomiting, heart failure, and a variety of other reactions that result in immense suffering and a slow, painful death. Nontarget species are also at risk. Many animals—including protected bird species such as red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons and other predatory species including foxes, raccoons, and even beloved companion animals like dogs and cats—often die as a result of ingesting the remains of poisoned rodents.

In addition to being cruel, poisons and other lethal methods will not control "nuisance" animal populations. When animals are killed or removed from their habitat, other animals move in to occupy the newly vacant niche. The only long-term way to control prairie dog populations is to modify the affected area so that it is unattractive or inaccessible to them.

PETA recently sent information to Lawton officials regarding nonlethal and humane prairie dog control methods. Unfortunately, you officials have failed to respond to the inquiry. I demand a moratorium on poisoning and urge you to investigate and employ humane methods!

Sincerely,