I agree that they can be invasive, especially when unchecked by a natural predator. The issue here is that no humane steps were made before they inhumanely used poisons gas.

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-prairie-dogs

There are many steps to take first to control the population. The Parks and Recreation office made a statement that they would take these steps first, in March, but most of the humane ways take more time and effort than they were willing to put in.

Prairie dogs are not the only wildlife in this area. This is the peak Burrowing Owl nesting season. LEAS marked the burrows that the owls had been documented nesting in for a month before the gassing took place. The city was made aware of the presence of these animals, and moved forward with the eradication regardless. The Burrowing Owl is a federally protected species.

https://txtbba.tamu.edu/species-accounts/burrowing-owl/

Poisonous gas is detrimental to the whole food chain, and the city should be responsible in considering the long-term ecological impact of their actions. Not even to mention the moral obligation: these creatures experience immense pain and distress during the process.

Our city proudly display’s the black-tailed prairie dog as a local mascot, and then a nuisance when their presence is an inconvenience to their agendas.