Humane Action Pennsylvania

Yesterday, Humane Action Pennsylvania’s Director of Operations, Shannon Dickerson, addressed Pittsburgh City Council regarding the city’s deer management program.

For years, residents have been told that the now-annual deer cull is necessary to reduce and manage the local deer population. Yet despite years of implementation and significant public investment, we have seen no publicly available evidence that the program is achieving that goal.

Humane Action Pennsylvania is asking a simple question: Where is the data?

If the purpose of the program is population management, the public deserves access to clear, measurable outcomes that show whether deer numbers are declining, stabilizing, or otherwise affected. Success should be evaluated based on the stated objective of the program—not simply the number of deer removed or pounds of venison donated.

Good public policy should be guided by transparency, accountability, and evidence. We look forward to seeing the data and continuing this important conversation.

Last month, Humane Action Pennsylvania's Director of Operations, Shannon Dickerson, testified before Philadelphia City Council in support of legislation that would permanently ban horse-drawn carriage rides in Philadelphia.

While horse-drawn carriage operations are not currently active in the city, this legislation would ensure they cannot return, protecting horses from the dangers and stresses of navigating busy urban streets while being forced to pull a carriage. Humane Action Pennsylvania was proud to lend its voice in support of a more compassionate future for animals and modern, humane alternatives to animal tourism.

Thank you to Councilmember for introducing this important legislation and to Sarah Barnett and the team at ACCT Philly for their leadership in advancing this important effort. Special thanks to everyone who has spoken out in support, especially and their longstanding campaign to end this practice.

Together, we're helping build a Pennsylvania where compassion guides policy.
🐴❤️