WATCH (above): Riley the Labrador is recovering from some painful wounds after a deer attacked her in her own backyard. Riley’s owner says Oak Bay is overrun with deer which pose a threat to drivers and even pets. Kylie Stanton reports.
Roaming outside is usually the best part of any dogs day but for one Vancouver Island canine, when the gate opens, she doesn’t move.
Riley, an eight-year-old black Lab, was attacked in her backyard last weekend by a deer. Her owner, Norm Kelly, heard her screams and went running.
“We saw a buck had pinned her to the ground,” Kelly told Global News.
“You could see that defensively Riley was turning, so the incisions went down the side of her chest and they caught off the back of her leg.”
Due to the serious natures of her wounds, Riley was rushed into emergency surgery and is slowly recovering. But now, Riley is not keen on going into the backyard. Kelly said he has to take her by the collar and “actually walk her down the deck.”
While the incident is distressing for Kelly and Riley, it’s raising more concerns about the community’s safety.
“I’m worried about the children, the seniors, the people that can’t get out of the way,” Kelly said.
The District of Oak Bay has seen a massive spike in the deer population in recent years resulting in more incidents involving vehicles.
According to Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen the latest report shows the overpopulation of deer and the problems that have been developing. Between 2007 and 2012 a total of 55 deer deaths were recorded but in 2013 alone, the number jumped to 40.
In 2014, so far the tally is at 29 and counting. The steadily increasing numbers is forcing the district to move forward with plans for a deer cull. City staff has applied to the provincial government for a permit, which is expected by the end of the year.
“We have looked at every possible way that we can deal with it,” Jensen said.
“This, according to the BC chief veterinarian, is the most humane way to deal with. There is an overpopulation in Oak Bay and it’s not healthy.”
Although it’s a controversial plan, it’s not the first time something like this has been put forward in B.C. The Municipality of Cranbrook implemented a cull after similar concerns and encounters.
“You don’t expect this to happen in your backyard,” Kelly said. “It has to dealt with respect, with dignity and quickly.”
PHOTO GALLERY:
~ with files from Kyle Stanton
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