After reading a feature article in the Globe and Mail, my wife and I became quite dismayed over this needless kill of deer in Oak Bay. Upset enough that we have now cancelled a two-night stay and dinner out with four others at two Oak Bay businesses. After a brief discussion it was the same opinion of others involved to cancel as well. It was concluded the only power we had was to not spend any more money in Oak Bay and encourage others to do the same.
This is our form of protest of what we believe is a needless kill, especially when there are other non-lethal options as outlined in the Globe article. Wildlife biologist Rick Page says “Ecologically the deer are not a threat” and supports the stop of the cull. We also believe that the Oak Bay mayor is fear-mongering.
My wife Elaine Tanner (ex Olympian triple medalist swimmer) visits Oak Bay frequently having relatives in the area. Both of us have noticed over the years the absence of squirrels in Oak Bay parks and streets. Elaine wonders if they have met the same fate as the deer. As far as the deer creating a serious safety issue for cyclists, people should be more concerned about humans – with crazy car drivers or poor lighting on roads or inadequate bike lanes – than an occasional defenceless deer.
We are cancelling accommodations and dinner for six that was scheduled this week in Oak Bay.
Elaine asked me to pass on the following quote: “There are only two things which are infinite, the universe and mankind’s stupidity, and I am not so sure about the former.” – Albert Einstein.
John Watt & Elaine Tanner
White Rock, B.C.
