The Invermere BC Conservation Officer Service (CO) has concluded an investigation into the killing of a mule deer by a landscape worker July 9 and no charges will be forthcoming.

On Tuesday, July 9, while concluding a deer-proofing project on the Invermere Fort Point property, a mule deer slipped through the final gap in the deer-fence being erected and while trying to chase the deer away, a worker threw a rock, which struck the deer and killed it almost instantly, reported CO Greg Kruger.

“We’ve made a determination that the killing was accidental. There was not intent on this individual’s part to harm or kill the animal. There will be no formal charges against the individual or the company,” Kruger told e-KNOW, which was contacted by the Invermere Deer Protection Society (IDPS) about the incident. The individual and company were not named.

“It was an errant throw. This individual was quite emotionally upset,” he added.

The IDPS stated in a July 16 press release it hoped the CO Service would pursue charges under the BC Wildlife Act.

IDPS member Devin Kazakoff stated the RCMP and BCSPCA are also aware of the incident.

“We urge the BCSPCA to investigate the killing, which by all descriptions seems to fit the Criminal Code of Canada definition of animal cruelty – when a person willfully causes or, being the owner, willfully permits to be caused unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal,”

“We urge the BCSPCA to investigate the killing which by all descriptions seems to fit the Criminal Code of Canada definition of animal cruelty – when a person willfully causes or, being the owner, willfully permits to be caused unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal,” Kazakoff said.

“This senseless, violent killing is a symptom of the negative attitudes perpetuated when municipalities choose to cull,” he said, adding, “We hope all fawns survive and thrive but if orphaned, they have a much tougher road. We are all responsible to do what we must to live with and protect wildlife. Local governments should lead by demonstrating and fostering a respectful, responsible culture that values and accommodates nature. The District of Invermere can begin by assessing, improving and increasing public wildlife habitat and movement corridors, by adapting state of the art protection for district plantings, by creating an off-leash park, by adapting a “backyard habitat” program, by rewriting the fence bylaw and most importantly, by reversing the culture of intolerance they have regrettably, encouraged,” Kazakoff offered.

The IDPS press release points out the group has been given a permit and is prepared to capture and transport orphaned fawns to a wildlife rescue facility in Nelson.

“On advice of experts, our members are now monitoring the Fort Point area frequently to determine if there are orphan fawns, to observe if another doe adopts them and to monitor their health. Adoption is the preferred outcome and we understand this heart-warming mule deer behavior does occur. IDPS is ready to rescue and transport orphan fawns for rehabilitation should their condition deteriorate,” the IDPS stated.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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