Mar 11, 2015 By David Singer 1 min read

An official with the Pennsylvania Game Commission said the first three deer have been killed and sent to local meat processors as part of the controversial deer culling program.

Commission spokesman Tom Fazi confirmed the three carcasses were sent to regional meat processing centers after the evening of March 10. The specific locations of the meat processing centers were not disclosed, nor were the locations of where the deer were killed.

Mt. Lebanon Township officials said no protestors interfered with the cull, but police are reminding residents that they will cite those found on sites with corral pens.

Wildlife Specialists, LLC, the Tioga County-based contractors hired at $500 per deer, have until March 31 to kill up to 150 deer. The aim of the cull is to reduce traffic accidents, according to township officials, but protesters say it’s to help manage individuals’ gardens in Mt. Lebanon.