BC Premier Christy Clark and her Liberal government have issued at least three permits to kill up to 225 deer and their fawns in Cranbrook, Kimberly and Invermere. The scared, frightened deer would be trapped then a bolt driven through their skulls. Government claims that it is like a slaughter house with domestic animals are not true since these are wild animals who will struggle to escape (Animals in slaughter houses suffer too. See horse slaughter: http://www.defendhorsescanada.org/lpn.html ).
They refused to even discuss Lifeforce’s offer to try humane deterrents to prevent deer and human conflicts.
The Provincial Agriculture Zone Wildlife Program told Lifeforce that they have issued to date:
- City of Cranbrook was issued a deer cull permit for 25 Mule or White-tailed Deer on November 8, 2011.
- City of Kimberley was issued a deer cull permit for up to a combined total of 100 Mule or White-tailed Deer on November 17, 2011; and
- The District of Invermere was issued a deer cull permit for up to a combined total of 100 Mule or White-tailed Deer on November 22, 2011.
All 25 deer have been trapped and inhumanely killed in Cranbrook. Kimberley started killing in January and have killed 101 deer.
On behalf of the Vancouver based ecology organization, Lifeforce Foundation, I asked the Premier and Ministry officials to discuss humane ways to address any concerns.
Killing deer who are defending themselves and their fawns from roaming dogs and human intruders is cruel. Deer will obviously try to protect their fawns from animal and humans. This is barbaric in view of modern technology that have been developed and a better understanding of deer behaviours.
Deterrents are available to remove deer from any problem city areas. This includes educational programs to stop feeding deer, eliminating food attractors, keeping dogs on leashes etc..
Will you revoke any active kill permits? I will boycott any city that kill innocent "urban deer"!
