A poisoning initiative is apparently underway at Starfire at the Villages, a condominium community in Scottsdale, in a misguided attempt to control the local gopher population. PETA apprised community officials of the cruelty and dangers associated with the use of these toxic substances, but we have been told that the poisons will continue to be used. Now it’s your turn to speak up!

Poisons cause the animals who ingest them immense suffering. Victims experience convulsions, vomiting, internal bleeding, gradual cardiac collapse, and a variety of other reactions that result in horrific pain and a slow, agonizing death that can take days. And poisons pose a definitive risk to “nontarget” wildlife and companion animals who come into contact with the carcasses of animals who ingested the poison.

Please take a moment to write to Starfire at the Villages officials and ask them to remove the poison. If gopher control is insisted upon, then the community should employ any of the countless humane methods that keep unwanted animals away effectively. And please forward this message widely!

Polite comments can be directed to:

Jamie Dorland, Property Manager

Starfire at the Villages

National Property Services, LLC

[email protected]

Please feel free to use our sample letter, but remember that using your own words is always more effective.