The article, Deer report has no effect on plan to cull (News, Oct. 17) reports that, after receiving a staff update, Oak Bay council will move forward with a deer cull to reduce the overpopulation of deer in Oak Bay.
The article was accompanied with a photo that shows me at a “block party to express gratitude for green space and for the deer” held by residents opposed to the deer cull on the grounds of city hall which may have implied that I am opposed to a cull.
I had stopped by this event to share the current plans of council to cull the deer, which I support. Talking and listening to residents that have differing opinions is an important part of my job on council.
By association, my presence in the photo has left some readers confused about my position to deal with the over population of deer in Oak Bay.
Let me clarify: council unanimously agreed to initiate a deer management plan in March 2013.
All animals deserve to be treated humanely. The idea of destroying deer doesn’t sit well with any of us. However, the statistics show a 400 per cent increase in deer deaths since 2011 due to collisions, impalement in fences, starvation, and infection.
Moving forward with this plan is the humane thing to do.
Tara Ney
Oak Bay councillor