CRANBROOK, B.C. — The City of Cranbrook, B.C., confirms 20 deer were captured and euthanized during a recent cull in that East Kootenay city.
A release from the city confirms the cull, between Dec. 1 and Jan. 13, targeted areas where residents had complained about increased numbers of urban deer, and where a count in November had identified a growing deer population.
According to city officials, the Nov. 7 count found 137 deer within city limits, the highest number since the program began in 2010.
The city also says nearly 400 kilograms of meat from the euthanized deer was processed and donated to local charities.
Protesters gathered at Cranbrook City Hall on Monday night and vow to hold another demonstration on Friday, arguing the cull was carried out inhumanely and without proper notification.
Habituated deer can be aggressive at certain times of year, posing a threat to people and pets, and culls have been conducted in communities across Vancouver Island, southern and southeastern B.C.
