Deer Culling Creates an Atmosphere of Violence

On the morning of September 16, 2015 a small Yorkshire terrier was tragically killed by a deer in the municipality of Victoria. In a local newscast the house of a neighbour was pictured with a deer crossing sign on the front lawn. The signs are purchased from the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society by members of the public who want to warn drivers that deer live in their neighborhoods.

A heartbreaking situation has become a platform for the pro-cull enthusiasts in a shameless attempt to bring discussion back to our communities to support the killing of deer. But the vitriol towards the deer supporters took an ominous turn when the neighbours whose house was shown on the news woke up on the morning of September 26 to find an arrow in their sign. No other signs on this street had been vandalized. The neighbour experienced a justifiable sense of intimidation. This time the arrow through the sign was a “novelty” arrow, but the message was meant to create just that; intimidation and fear.

A DeerSafe member came very close to becoming a victim of physical assault while collecting signatures for the “No to a Cull” petition to the CRD. Fortunately the angry pro-cull individual was restrained by her companions.

Some politicians have fed into a fearmongering mentality that creates a violent atmosphere for citizens. If policies are passed that lead to the deaths of wild animals who have no way out, there will be resistance by many citizens who would prefer a humane approach.

DeerSafe holds the position that lethal deer management in our communities will engender a sense in our youth that violence will solve their problems. Poor policy such as the mass slaughter of inconvenient animals is not only dangerous, it will follow us all into the future.