Closed petition Stop the Deer Cull in the UK

Closed on 12 September 2013

Some scientists are saying the UK has too many deer and that culling is necessary. But talk of a better solution seems missing from the discussion.

A BBC report explains that the UK has more deer now than any time since the last Ice Age, and expanding populations threaten woodland vegetation and birds, as well as crops. The recommendation to cull comes from a study by Journal of Wildlife Management, which suggests as many as 750,000 be shot yearly.

While researchers at the University of East Anglia suggest the culling can be done "ethically" if the meat is used for food, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals wants to be sure “strong science” supports such an action.

Some say culling in Scotland is already too aggressive. But if population control is necessary, shouldn’t all alternatives be exhausted before such drastic steps are taken - like contraception, for example?

Please reconsider this drastic action and consider this option.

Thank you.