An alarming number of small dogs have been trampled and killed by deer in the 100 Mile House area.
Dr. Gordon Laity of the Lakeland Veterinary Clinic has seen at least a half dozen attacks, three of them fatal, in the past few weeks.
“It happens every year, but this year seems to be exceptionally bad,” Laity says. “I'm suspicious it's due to more people feeding deer and [deer] becoming more habituated to humans.”
He also suspects its female deer with fawns that are acting aggressively.
Laity advises against feeding deer, and recommends people keep dogs on a leash outside at this time of year, while keeping a close eye on smaller pets.
“Some of the incidents have happened right in front of people. It seems to be a bit of an epidemic. It's the leading cause of death right now for small dogs in the area.”