Fawn shooting draws residents’ concerns

Police say animal’s health justified decision to kill

A town police officer shot a baby deer on Wednesday after the fawn appeared to be gravely ill, drawing concerns from some residents that the shooting was unnecessary, the police chief said.

“Obviously, the neighbors are concerned — it’s a cute little fawn,” said

Chief Elaine Rudzinski. “Believe me, none of us would ever take pleasure in dispatching any animal that we have to, but it’s unfortunately part of our job as well.”

Rudzinski said a woman called police to report her concern over the fawn in the area of Pointview Drive. The fawn appeared lethargic, had trouble breathing and was covered in flies and feces, the chief said.

The chief said an officer moved the fawn, which was in a nearpublic area, to a private backyard and killed the animal.

Some images of the deer shared on social media did not capture the flies and feces and show the fawn sitting upright, which made it appear healthier than the animal actually was, the chief said.

Rudzinski said the department’s officers will not typically contact the state Department of Environmental Conservation for deer-related incidents. She said the shooting was justified. The woman who called the police station had veterinary and zoo experience, she said.

“The animal does seem to have had some problems, so I understand why she thought she should call someone,” Town Supervisor Jack Conway told the Times Union. He said he believed the officer — whom he praised as a “good cop and good man” — witnessed the animal’s condition.

“But in fairness to the neighbors who complained, cops aren’t trained in the health of deer,” Conway said, “so he could have misread the situation. From my perspective, what I do appreciate is that everybody is talking about this because everybody will be sharper next time out ... I wish this hadn’t happened but once it happens it started what I think is a positive conversation.”