Culling of fawns in Cranbrook, B.C., infuriates deer protection society

CRANBROOK, B.C. – The B.C. Deer Protection Society is furious about what it says is a cull of deer, conducted without any notification, in southeastern B.C., near Cranbrook.

The society and the Animal Alliance of Canada have lodged formal complaints with the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Both groups allege fawns were captured in clover traps — large netted traps that allow deer to enter but not escape — and remained in the traps for hours before contractors arrived to euthanize them using a bolt gun.

In one case, the society alleges contractors shot a fawn twice, but it was still kicking as they dragged it away for disposal.

Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt says Cranbrook has a permit to cull urban deer but he refused comment on the latest allegations.

Culling of urban, habituated deer has caused controversy on Vancouver Island and across the southern Interior, with advocates saying deer threaten humans, pets and infrastructure, while critics point to non-lethal methods to reduce deer numbers. (CHBZ)