In August, a contentious meeting took place, with animal advocates and archery aficionados aiming barbs at each other over the use of three-dimensional life-size animal targets. The vote on three recommendations for non-exclusive revocable permits for three archery clubs was ultimately tabled and sent to the city attorney for examination and a report as to whether the animal targets could legally be removed.
The three recommendations, which can be accessed in full here, included the execution of a non-exclusive revocable permit with Long Beach Bow Hunter, Inc. for range use and competitions and similarly classified permits to El Dorado Archers, Santa Fe Trail Archers and United Junior Olympic Archery Development for conducting instruction and safety classes in archery. At the Thursday, Nov. 20 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, it was announced that there was no legal mandate for removing the figures and that they would stay.
Thursday’s meeting was less contentious than the August session, although there were moments. There was demonstrated a divide between people who see the figures as papier-mâché fabrications and those who are deeply disturbed by walking past them in a public park that includes a nature center and seeing archers aim and shoot at them. Commissioner Stacey Morrison was one of them.
Morrison stated that natural surroundings and wildlife weren’t in line with shooting at animal targets. “I went to the Halloween event, which was amazing,” she said, referring to a holiday party held by El Dorado archers, which featured cartoon characters that archers aimed at and shot. “I overheard someone giving a safety lecture, and archery has such a history in the park. However, I have an issue with shooting at these animals [the 3-D representations] because it doesn’t seem like an appropriate public park experience.”
The animal targets aren’t a permanent fixture in the park. According to Commissioner Ben Goldberg, they’re a very small part of the archery clubs’ activities, which include developing motor skills, technique and concentration and, importantly, teaching safety and ethics.
“The only time that we use them is on a Thursday night, once a month, after the park is closed,” said Richard Grossman, a Bowhunters member.
But like any part of anything small enough to get in the eye, the targets have been a source of irritation and anger to people disturbed by the thought of an animal being shot by an arrow and certainly by a representation of it.
Members of the archery clubs and their supporters agreed that the usage of the targets was limited. Dave Stevens, treasurer of the El Dorado Archers, said that he was neutral on the topic of the animal targets and that the members generally choose which targets to utilize. “All we’re asking is the ability to teach people skills,” Stevens said. “We want to educate people as to the proper use of the tool and the ethical use of the tool.”
The targets are certainly in place so that a hunter practicing his or her skills can make a quick, ethical kill similar to the “respectful death” that Temple Grandin stated that cattle deserve if people are going to eat them. Hunting is legal in the United States in some areas and at specified times, and if people are going to engage in it, they should do so in as skilled and humanely a manner as possible. But speakers against having the animal targets in plain view weren’t worried about the hunters, and neither were the archers. As one club member suggested, people—children particularly—who might see the target practice and think that it’s a good idea to head for the nearest Big 5, buy a bow and arrow, and start killing squirrels, are the prime concern. Two cats were slain by arrows, one in January and the other in February, and it most likely wasn’t by a practiced archer or a club member.
“The issue is not that we believe that the archery-club members are cruel to animals,” speaker Anna Wong said. “The constituents of Long Beach may misunderstand and misconstrue Long Beach’s position in allowing targets like this, which would give ides to other people who won’t show up at that archery field to get the education. That one guy made my point for me—I’m not concerned about him going to shoot animals. I’m concerned about the kid who’s going to think it’s OK to buy the equipment. Our issue is not with the clubs but simply with what this city can perceive is OK.”
The permits were ultimately granted in a unanimous 6–0 vote, with Commissioner Julie Heggeness absent. Morrison went on record to say that she’d be uncomfortable voting against the permits because of the history of archery in the park but that she didn’t approve of the animal targets and hoped that a solution could be reached. Commissioners Ron Antoinette and David Zanetta are hoping to work with the archery groups to find a viable solution that would also keep the sport visible to the public. Alternatives that included two-dimensional objects and relocation of the targets were mentioned. It’s hoped that all involved community members can get together, understand the other’s view, and find a workable solution.
“You must look into other people as well as at them.”
~ Lord Chesterfield, 18th-century British commentator and scribe
Virtually Pets
Some rabbits comprise wildlife and other rabbits are domesticated. Some people get the idea that once the little bunny rabbit stops being cute, they’ll do just fine in the wild, because that’s where rabbits live, right?
Well, the wild rabbits beat up and knock up the tame ones, and then we have more rabbits running around because the original owners didn’t know that they need to be fixed, too. Domestic rabbits belong in a forever home and make great pets. They can be litter-box-trained and can run around the house as long as you keep the wiring out of reach. These three little bunns were lucky enough to have been rescued, and all have been spayed or neutered. Meet them at Long Beach Animal Care Services on the shelter side, 7700 E. Spring St. near El Dorado Park.
Chloe, female, 1 1/2 years old, ID#A535666
Olive, male, age 2, ID#A536612
Rustina, female, age unknown, ID#A530102
Pet Projects
Operation Santa Paws, Various Shelters Dec. 1–20
Would you all be able to help collect dog and cat toys, treats, food or supplies to donate to the local animal shelters with our Operation Santa Paws program? If so, let [email protected] know the public drop-off places you’ll be hosting (names, addresses, phone numbers); we can include that on the website. Then, for the Long Beach/OC area, we’ll gather all the collected goodies on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 20 in Long Beach and distribute them all to the pets in area shelters and rescues. You can also take your collected goods directly to your favorite shelter or rescue! For more information, click here.
A Christmas Carol Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA) Fund-Raiser, Sunday, Dec. 14, Long Beach Playhouse,5201 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, 6:30PM reception, 7:30PM Performance. $25 adults, $15 for children
Enjoy a performance of a beloved Christmas tale and bless the animals one and all at the same time! The reception will include appetizers, a silent auction and a raffle, and Ralph Brunson will entertain guests with his piano classics as they graze and gaze. All FOLBA members will receive a free drink at the bar for additional holiday cheer. Visit here for information and ticket locations.