Texans slaughter deer, donate venison

HOUSTON (AP) - More than 20 Texas communities are thinning deer herds by getting permits to trap and slaughter the animals and donating the venison to charity.

Walden on Lake Conroe is the second Houston-area subdivision in the program, as the deer population swelled and security and neighborhood concerns were raised.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said 22 communities statewide have obtained similar permits this year to reduce deer populations.

Critics, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, told the Houston Chronicle that many Walden residents believe such a management program is wrong.

PETA spokeswoman Tori Perry said a better option is nonlethal measures.

Linda Ross of Walden, who said she is a member of the U.S. Humane Society, said the community is divided.