http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-865626.mp3
Kansas City, MO – Johnson County Park officials say the meat and hides from the deer harvest at Shawnee Mission Park will be put to good use.
The Park Board released a statement yesterday saying meat from the deer killed during the harvest would be processed at USDA-approved facilities and donated to Harvesters Food Bank.
The hides will go to the a local Elks Lodge to be distributed through the Veterans Leather Program, according to the statement. Jerry Mullins with the Grandview Elks Lodge says the program helps wheelchair-bound vets get gloves and provides craft material for vets with extended hospital stays.
"The gloves are made for Veterans with wheelchairs only," says Mullins. "The leather kits made up from existing leather, leftover is turned into kits for therapy in the veterans hospitals."
The Park Board has not said when the deer harvest is taking place. Authorities say it is needed to eliminate hundreds of deer to preserve the park habitat.
Animal rights activists say there are other hunger-relief and veterans assistance programs. They say park officials are justifying the deer harvest.
