The Fund for Animals, a national animal protection group with over 200,000 members and supporters, is urging Indiana officials to restrict hunting in the wake of the shooting of a 13-year-old boy in a hunting accident that occurred on August 1. According to news reports, the boy was hunting with three companions in southern Morgan County when one of them mistook him for an animal and fired a shotgun, striking him in the face, neck, and arms.
"We extend our sympathy to the boy and his family. To prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future, Indiana's Department of Natural Resources should take this opportunity to institute a minimum age limit for hunters," said Heidi Prescott, National Director of The Fund for Animals. Prescott stated that during hunting season, stories like this seem to be quite common. "This 'sport' is dangerous to residents of all ages in hunting areas and those who take pleasure in hiking, walking their dogs, horseback riding or other outdoor recreational activities," said Prescott. "It is also dangerous to the hunters. And of course, it is deadly for the animals."
Prescott encourages more humane outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, or photography. "If people would shoot wildlife with cameras instead of guns, these statistics could be totally eliminated," said Prescott.
Hunters often make the claim that hunting causes fewer injuries per participant than many other sports. But Michael Markarian, President of The Fund for Animals, points out, "While injuries may occur during sports ranging from football to ping pong, those injuries are generally not on par with gunshot wounds. And they usually don't result in fatalities to non-participants who are enjoying the outdoors or even their own property-as hunting does." ",”
2004-9-0″
Enviroshop is maintained by dedicated NetSys Interactive Inc. owners & employees who generously contribute their time to maintenance & editing, web design, custom programming, & website hosting for Enviroshop.