Correspondence from Susan Haines Re: Town of View Royal's Wildlife Management

To the Mayor and Council of View Royal:

I am writing to draw your attention to what I see as deficiencies in the Town of View Royal’s wildlife management.

On Sunday, January 20th, my husband and I witnessed a large deer crossing View Royal Ave. at Bessborough in obvious distress. This buck, who has been in our neighbourhood for months, had what looking like a broken ankle. We returned home immediately and phoned the SPCA. They informed us that no one would help this buck until he was down on the ground and couldn’t get up. This seemed very inhumane.

On Tuesday, I discovered the deer lying on my neighbour’s lawn. Unsure if he was alive, I called the RCMP. A police officer arrived a little later and told us he was dead. She let us know that she would inform Animal Control and they would come on Wednesday to take the buck away. When evening arrived and nothing had happened I called the RCMP again. I was told that it was not their responsibility and to call Public Works at View Royal.

Thursday morning I spoke to Rob in Engineering. He researched the issue for me and then let me know that the town would not remove the deer as he was on private property. My husband also called CRD Animal Control who informed us that they are not responsible for View Royal. This was all very upsetting. It was no one’s fault that this poor deer died in our neighbour’s yard.

It is my hope that the council will review existing policies with a view to a comprehensive plan to manage wildlife in View Royal.

Thank-you,

Susan Haines 306 Bessborough Ave.