NYFD's squirrel-shooting contest draws ire
HOLLEY, N.Y. (AP) - A weekend squirrel-shooting contest planned in upstate New York is drawing criticism.
State Sen. Tony Avella, of Queens, and animal-rights activists are among those urging the Holley Fire Department to call off its annual "squirrel slam" fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday.
The Humane Society's New York director, Brian Shapiro, has written a letter suggesting the fire department west of Rochester find an alternate way to raise money.
Neither the fire department nor members of its board of directors have returned telephone and email messages from The Associated Press.
A flier on the department's website promoting the contest lists a youth category for those 14 years old or younger. It also promotes a gun raffle and cash prizes for the largest squirrel and for the heaviest group of five squirrels.
State Sen. Tony Avella, of Queens, and animal-rights activists are among those urging the Holley Fire Department to call off its annual "squirrel slam" fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday.
The Humane Society's New York director, Brian Shapiro, has written a letter suggesting the fire department west of Rochester find an alternate way to raise money.
Neither the fire department nor members of its board of directors have returned telephone and email messages from The Associated Press.
A flier on the department's website promoting the contest lists a youth category for those 14 years old or younger. It also promotes a gun raffle and cash prizes for the largest squirrel and for the heaviest group of five squirrels.
Maybe they should make the hunters dogs instead of fearsome kids with 22's. I know my pooches would love to chase down some furry tailed rats. That too would get all them animal lover's upset though.
Sounds like a lot of good fun. And if it irritates loony "animal rights" activists, that makes it even better.
Squirrels are difficult to shoot. Smart little tree rats.Â
Hope they're eating those rats in fur coats. If not ship them south.
Interesting use of a deceptive headline. Â NYFD is an attempt to make people think there is an association with FDNY, when in fact it is being sponsored by a small volunteer "Holly Fire Department" in upstate New York. Â Once again, the news service is creating more news than reporting it.
Realy? How is it deceptive in any way? NY is a State. It's also a city within a State of the same name. Most folks realize that. The headline didn't read NYNYFD did it?
Did you know we have a George in our state? And a Martha? If someone said "George Washington wants to ban fireams in public parks", would you think of the city or the founding father of our nation?
Reading comprehension seems to be a lost tool in our educational system anymore.
@bobalouie I'll keep it simple just for you Bob.....If this article was about the George Fire Department, I can assure you that the headline would NOT read WAFD sponsors squirrel hunt.  Why?  Because nobody associates WAFD with Washington State Fire Department.  The headline was lazy and deceptive, at least to those of us who know the fire service.
Keep trolling there bob...... Â
@bobalouie @Firegod I have to agree with @Firegod on this one. After 9/11 those initials has stood for bravery and sacrifice and to see that a reporter and an editor has taken poet license is nothing but grandstanding which is exactly what they intended to do.
Squirrels are nothing but cute rats. If this event keeps these destructive little buggers in check more power to the hunters. When I was a kid living in Central California we used to have a spring time rabbit hunt to keep the population in check. Rabbits would eat the young grape vines and destroy the crops.
Man, I HATE squirrels! They are destructive little bastards. I had to re-wire my house once because of their nesting habits. Wish I lived closer to NY....
Sounds fun, I could use my big bad .22 assault weapon.
They can practice in my backyard
...they should have some pigeon shoots as well.
Having family from this area, squirrel stew is not an unusual dish. How is this any different than a turkey shoot or fishing derby? In the end I doubt the food goes to waste.
Not only is the title hilarious, it sounds like a blast.
I want in on this... :)
And why is this news???...  Oh yeah,... it is gun related...