Woman, dog stalked by a deer

Dear Editor: I am writing in response to the letter from Shayna Jakubec in Wednesday’s Herald, “Urban deer attacking pets.”

I can echo her experience completely. I was also walking my dog on-leash in my neighbourhood when a deer charged out of the bushes and attacked us. The doe stomped my dog causing damage to his hind foot and we were only able to escape due to the distraction provided by a tradesperson working nearby. A big thank you to that young man! I picked up my dog and the deer continued to chase us down the road to our home while neighbours tried to distract her.

My dog is now recovering from veterinary procedures where he had to have a nail completely removed and is on restricted activity for several weeks. Needless to say, there was a significant vet bill.

I have since heard from other close neighbours that they have been chased or attacked by this aggressive deer. She has at least one fawn and I do understand the reason for her aggression, but at this point I do not feel it is safe to walk my dog outside my home in my own strata neighbourhood.

I do not have the answer to this problem, but I believe it needs to be taken seriously before there is more harm done to both animals and humans. Nothing can be done is not the answer. Laurie Minuk and Bandit

Penticton