Public Opinion Supports Peaceful Coexistence and Humane Deer Management in Arlington, Virginia
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© Minh-Chau Pham - Arlington, Virginia |
No Killing Deer in Arlington welcomes quotes from Arlington, Virginia residents, former residents, and everyone interested in sharing their voice on the need for Humane Deer Strategies and Peaceful Coexistence with deer in Arlington, Virginia and beyond.
Click here to email us. Please include your name and place of residence.
"These gentle animals don’t ask for much - they just want to be left in peace to raise their families. Do you know that fawns stay by their mothers' sides for up to two years?…Please don’t tell me that killing deer is necessary in order to control their numbers...Installing fencing, using repellants like pepper spray, and administering contraceptive vaccines keep deer populations in check humanely. In my book, that’s effective management.”
Deer are gifted to us to nurture and protect. Do not betray that trust. There is proof humans can peacefully coexist with these beauties of nature. We do not need to be cruel and inhumane.
- Karen Longava, Arlington, VA
When my husband and I moved here, we were delighted to discover how much beautiful and healthy wildlife naturally lives in our surrounds, including some deer. Out of respect for the natural forest ecosystem in Arlington, we decided to learn how to live with them. Our beautiful yard is landscaped with all local wildlife kept in mind. We love living with the birds, bees and deer!
- Liz Kirby, Arlington, VA
These deer are worthy of our compassion, our consideration, and our respect. Just like the cats and dogs we share our homes with, we should consider the world we're creating for these creatures. If we wouldn't subject those animals to extreme confusion, terror, and a brutal death, we should do the same for deer.
- John Oberg. Animal Advocate & Vegan Social Media Activist, Richmond, VA
I applaud you for all of your efforts because we know how challenging it is to speak up for the deer who have no voice.
- Enid Feinberg, Volunteer President Wildlife Rescue, Inc., Baltimore County, Maryland
Can we save God's beautiful creatures? We don't have to kill them. We have options. Let’s revisit these options. Please post options and have Arlington residents submit an educated decision once the options are made public. Killing is not the only option.
- Milagros Martinez, Arlington, VA
I oppose Arlington County’s policy of sharpshooting deer because it is an inhumane and unnecessary approach to population control. There are more ethical, non-lethal alternatives - such as fertility control - that align better with responsible wildlife management and respect for the natural world.
- Kacey Conroy, Fredericksburg, VA
I have lived in Claremont since 2012 when I moved here from NY. I am totally against the shooting of the deer versus using non-lethal deer methods. I feel it is cruel to shoot them, not to mention the danger to any bystanders who may be near by. Please stick with using the non-lethal method.
- Barbara Mariano, Arlington, VA
Deer are beautiful, gentle creatures, part of the woven fabric of life even in an urban setting. Killing them is inexcusable when other non-lethal options exist to control their population.
- Mark and Ruth W., former Arlington County residents
Growing up in Arlington, I never noticed an issue with overpopulation of any wildlife. Something drastic must have happened, probably the expansion of housing and roadway construction into their habitat. I currently live in a suburban area of San Bernardino California and we have a similar issue, except ours is with coyotes. Even still, we have not allowed their presence (certainly more of a threat than that of deer) to push us to allow their termination. In fact, it is unlawful to kill coyotes except in the case of imminent danger. Surely there must be a humane way of dealing with deer overpopulation in Arlington. I hope the authorities responsible for control of this issue have exhausted all efforts of non-lethal actions before resorting to these extreme measures.
- Sam Sweigart, former Arlington County resident
Your points, particularly regarding the effectiveness of non-lethal approaches like sterilization, the potential dangers of sharpshooting, and the evidence provided by respected organizations such as the Humane Society and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, resonate strongly. These perspectives are essential for fostering informed decision-making that aligns with our community's values and safety.
- Ron Haddox, Board Member of the Arlington County Civic Federation
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POLITICAL NOTE
Although current Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karatonis had misgiving about sharpshooting deer, which is reflected in his comment below, Karatonis still voted in favor of the Arlington Deer Cull.
“I’m not so convinced” it is the humane approach, Karantonis said. “Wildlife also has rights,” including the right not to unnecessarily die in agony, he said."
- Arlington County Board Chair, Takis Karantonis, November 18, 2024 on ARLnow
Ask Takis Karantonis why he voted for killing deer if he had misgivings. Ask him why he didn’t listen to The Animal Welfare League of Arlington and the many Arlington residents who continue to support promote peaceful coexistence and humane strategies that benefit deer, humans, and Arlington’s entire ecosystem. Please be polite and respectful in your communication.
BE HUMANE - VOTE HUMANE!
It is imperative that we support and vote for officials who support animal welfare and animal rights legislation. You can search and view individual Humane Scorecards on Humane World Action Fund.
