You know from previous posts that whenever I see deer in our yard I do my best to chase them away. Just this morning I ran out in my slippers, doing my best imitation of a fierce dog barking to scare a herd of about seven feeding on our trees and shrubs. They do a great deal of damage to the trees over winter by stripping bark. When the tulips come up in the spring the deer act as if that is the dessert bar favourite. I have even threatened to buy an air gun to "ping" them hard enough to frighten them away.
Nevertheless, when this badly injured deer sought refuge among our buildings this afternoon, we had pity on it. We kept our distance, so as not frighten it, but after I stood for a time and took a few long distance pictures, it got up and hobbled painfully behind the workshop, out of view. I was glad we don't have a dog which might have harassed the poor thing.
We called the owner of a small, local zoo, who knew the proper procedure. He called the local detachment of the RCMP and soon a police car drove up. The officer went with Jim to see the deer and determine how badly it was injured. There are rules for these cases, and the rule states that if the animal can walk, even if it is limping, it must not be interfered with.
Three years ago the RCMP received multiple calls about an injured deer. They finally located the animal, but it was able to walk, although limping badly. They left it alone, and even now they occasionally spot the same deer, still limping, but still getting along somehow.
The officer determined that this poor animal was indeed badly injured and needed to be put down. He and Jim made sure that there were no people in the area, not hard to do at this time of the year as the Garden Centre is certainly not busy yet. He mercifully shot the deer and ended its pain and suffering.
Then the zoo owner removed the carcass. Tonight the lions have fresh venison for supper.
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