Animal Activists Want To Save Prairie Dogs In Frederick

FREDERICK, Colo. (CBS4) - Animal rights activists held up signs Saturday in the wind hoping to stop next week's planned extermination of two prairie dog colonies Frederick.

Activists say while some people consider the animals a nuisance, they actually play a vital role in the food chain and should not be killed.

"We should not be destroying our natural heritage by killing prairie dogs. We should not be teaching our children to not have compassion for animals; and we shouldn't be showing the world that we don't care about our environment by killing prairie dogs," activist Kelllie Cremer said.

The city says the prairie dogs are a health risk.

There are also plans to fine homeowners who don't kill prairie dogs on their own land.

Frederick officials say they can't just move the animals because they can't find anyone who wants them.