How sad. Thank you for posting the phone numbers -hopefully no one will need them.

Yes - but it should also be pointed out that there was a chain of events leading up to this tragedy:
1.The poacher who committed this heinous act was hunting illegally in a County Park where there was no hunting allowed. NOT on private property.

2. He shot at an animal that he had not identified with certainty.

3. The owner of the dog that was shot had the animal illegally off leash.

Sadly - there ARE idiots out there who do NOT follow the law or safety guidelines and they should be prosecuted where they break the law.

Keeping that in mind - it would behoove anyone walking alone or with their pets in wooded lands during hunting season to wear bright orange safety vests (and to put same on their pets) and keep the pets leashed.

I am NOT a hunter myself but have several friends who are and who take proper precautions and follow the laws. Hunters will be the first to tell you that this was NOT the action of a trained, law abiding hunter, but rather an ignorant or stupid law breaking poacher.

This guy broke the law and will be prosecuted. Using this criminal's actions to impugn a lawful activity is specious at best and blatant logical fallacy at worst.

Let's apply this reasoning elsewhere...

Bob lives in NY.

Bob got wasted on Chivas Regal at 3:30pm and drove his SUV over Ms. Schneiderman's cocker spaniel Pitzy who managed to escape the yard yet again.

Therefore, nobody in NY should be permitted to drive @ 3:30pm.

/will not be flinging arrows at deer...

Perfect example of how half a story should be no story at all. The selective editing of events by persons that obviously have an agenda makes me sick. Good or bad, everyone should be made aware of all the facts on an event or issue. Anything less than that is dishonest.

I don't know why certain dog owners feel compelled to let their dogs run wild in state and county parks. It is not fair to the other hikers or even dog owners who comply with the law who then have to deal with a loose animal while their pet is leashed. I once had the unfortunate experience of mountain biking in Black Rock and being chased down by an irish wolfhound, needless to say, I was truly terrified but of course, the dog owner barely offered up an apology. I also believe those that will be permitted to bow hunt will not be on the prowl for coyotes, so that confusion should not come into play.

There are always non-lethal ways of dealing with animal issues of "overpopulation" or "nuisance" critters ... ie, immuno-contraception for one. Hunting is barbaric and can hardly be considered a "sport" when the odds are man against innocent, unsuspecting animal. It's time for Cornwall to become civilized and stop killing animals. If you wouldn't shot your dog or cat, you shouldn't shoot other animals who have the same right to a peaceful and protected life.

HUnting is not Barbaric. Professional, licensed hunters are conservationist. Time and Time again too many people are convinced that doing nothing is appropriate where deer overpopulation is concerned. They are pests at this point just like rats and Geese. Many Hunting associations such as the Westchester County Bow Hunters Association and The Suffolk Archers donate thousands of lbs of venison to the needy. just last year over 25,000 lbs were donated. at 4 ounces that is roughly 100,000 servings of free range humanely raised meat, unlike the chicken you probably ate sometime in the last 24 hours. Additionally the comment about not shooting domestic animals. I own a dog and he is 99% on the leash, sometimes he goes for a run through the woods behind my house, I dont like it because I am afraid he may be hit by a car not shot by a hunter. I think that Cat ownership should be banned, Cats kill more songbirds and rare species that any hunter.

Stephan,

Don't let anyone stop you from expressing your opinions. For one person who may slight it there may be many who may not post but be in 100% agreement with you.

I remember when Storm King Adventure Tours went up and there were people complaining about it. As I live near it I thought it was not only a great rehab of an older building but a great business idea that I truly hope is successful. There will always be differing opinions but please express yours as I believe they are welcomed by the majority.
Pat Welch

small minded snake pit???
Stephan, we have missed your erudite comments and razor wit. c'mon, you're a writer, you've got to have thicker skin than that?