A background study for the Town of Quispamsis Municipal Plan, prepared by AMEC Earth and Environmental in August 2006, warned that, due to soil limitations, specific deer yards should be protected as the area develops.
Although the Town of Quispamsis was well aware of a potential problem, it does not appear that suggested guidelines were applied, and may, in fact, have attributed to increased deer sightings in well developed areas.
Based on misinformation, and the concerns of a very vocal minority, in 2010, the Town of Quispamsis implemented By-Law Amendment No. 031-04 which makes residents feeding, or allowing deer to be fed, subject to a fine of up to $5,120.
In August 2010, I made a presentation to council requesting a variance, claiming violation of my constitutional right of conscience my request was unanimously denied, with the remark by one councillor inviting me to sue them.
Hunger drives deer into our neighbourhoods. Residences who feed the deer are motivated by compassion toward the animals. They encounter considerable financial burden to obtain proper feed. Deer visiting a feeding station are less likely to forage for food in gardens.
Our town is bounded by highways and rivers. There is no way out. If this by-law continues to be enforced, some will not make it through the winter.
