Peaceful Coexistence Is the Path to Strength and Harmony
© Jeannette Louise Smith |
As a young girl, I developed a love for all animals. My parents always encouraged my appreciation, tenderness, and responsibility for animals. They supported learning about the many species that grace our earth.
I still watch nature and animal-related documentaries to improve my knowledge. However, as a child, I clearly remember covering my eyes in fear, not comprehending scenes that depicted natural predation and the brutality that exists in nature.
As an adult, I accept and understand the duality of Nature’s brutality and beauty. What is unnatural and unacceptable are the numerous ways humans control animals, inflict horrific and senseless cruelty, exploit, kill, and destroy habitats.
An enormous diversity of people worldwide oppose violence. I advocate for peace among people. Equally, I oppose violence against animals and champion peaceful coexistence.
I have been vocal about my opposition to sharpshooting deer in Arlington, Virginia and advocating for science based, humane strategies that respect and protect deer, humans, and Arlington’s entire ecosystem.
According to the March 21-25, 2025 Deer Drone Survey conducted by Steward Green LLC, the number of deer in Arlington declined 23% from 290 in 2021 to 222 deer in 2025.
The published graph is alarming, horrifying. The graph reflects an unnecessary, unrealistic, and shocking approach toward eradicating deer in Arlington.
The decrease in deer population reveals a significant opportunity to move away from the current hybrid plan that focuses primarily on sharpshooting deer and instead place a complete emphasis on the humane strategies already outlined in the Arlington “Deer Management Program.”
The door is now open to re-examine, re-evaluate, and consider every humane solution available.
Instead of following and duplicating the endless perpetration of violence against deer in surrounding jurisdictions, Arlington can lead by example and emulate the new generation of American communities who have demonstrated successful non-lethal solutions that enable people, animals, and nature to thrive.
We have the sensibility, intellect, and ability to analyze, evaluate, and make ethical, all-beneficial decisions. We must use our knowledge and passion to help other people develop the deeper significance of our relationship with animals and the dire need to protect animals.
Through partnership and collaboration, we can increase humane education, reduce and resolve deer conflicts humanely, and move forward with a shared goal and clear cut plan toward non-violence.
Arlington County promotes non-violence among people and should prioritize non-violence toward deer and all animals to maintain our collective vitality of peace.
It is our human duty to respect and protect all of the intricately woven aspects of nature and not put one of Nature’s details above the other.
Government decisions to kill animals is the ultimate betrayal of trust. We possess the power of humane science. Arlington, Virginia citizens and people all over the world want laws that respect and protect humans, animals, and the environment.
I will continue to be vocal and oppose the sharpshooting of deer in Arlington, Virginia.
Peaceful coexistence is not a weakness. It is not a one time magic trick. It is not propaganda. Peaceful coexistence is the path to strength and harmony between people and animals.
Until the voice of reason and compassion are completely heard, understood, and accepted, humans will remain the most dangerous animal on earth.
2025 DEER DRONE SURVEY RESOURCES
June 5, 2025 Deer Drone Survey Bulletin
Watch the June 26, 2025 Forestry and Natural Resources Commission Meeting video from 8:20 to 26:05. Mr. John Marlin, Deputy Chief of Arlington Parks and Recreation and the head of The Arlington Deer Killing Program cannot explain the decrease in deer population. Additionally, Mr. Marlin stands by the accuracy of the 2025 Steward Green LLC who conducted both the 2021 and 2025 Deer Drone Surveys.
Oppose sharpshooting deer and urge the Arlington County Board and the Arlington Parks and Recreation Natural Resources Division to place a complete emphasis on science-based, humane strategies that benefit deer, humans, and Arlington’s entire ecosystem.
Click here to email The Arlington County Board and Department of Natural Resources.
Please be polite in your communication.
