News

MHS Press Release

Southfield -- The Michigan Humane Society and other members of the Committee to Restore the Dove Ban are urging registered Michigan voters to sign a referendum petition,which seeks to restore the protected status of morning doves, at one of the three Michigan Humane Society shelters in Detroit, Rochester Hills and Westland or at the organization's administrative office in Southfield.  The committee needs to collect over 158,000 valid signatures by mid-March to qualify the issue for the November 2006 ballot.  So far, approximately 115,000 signatures have been collected. Without the additional signatures, more than a quarter of a million mourning doves will be shot and killed each year in Michigan.  

"Mourning doves are gentle backyard songbirds beloved by citizens throughout our state," said Julie Baker, Campaign Director of the Committee to Restore the Dove Shooting Ban. "By simply adding your signature to thousands of others or, better yet, collecting signatures from your family and friends, you can make a real difference in this campaign."

Mourning doves are not a viable human food source and pose no threat to agricultural crops, homes or anything else of value to people. In addition, Michigan is a breeding ground for the bird.  The dove's erratic flight pattern, which is what makes them appealing to some hunters, also leads to an estimated 30-40% wounding or non-retrieval rate. The majority of ethical hunters, along with a majority of Michigan citizens, are opposed to the hunting of mourning doves.  

"As the signature deadline draws near, it is crucial for concerned citizens to stop by any of our three shelter locations or call us to receive a petition in the mail and do their part to save the official state bird of peace," said Cal Morgan, Michigan Humane Society Executive Director.

MichiganHumane Society shelters are at Detroit (7401 Chrysler Drive), Rochester Hills (3600 W. Auburn Road) and Westland (37255 Marquette); the administrative office is at 26711 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 175. For more information, visit the Michigan Humane Society web site atwww.michiganhumane.orgor call 1-866-MHUMANE, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. 

The Michigan Humane Society  is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the animals since 1877.

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