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November 09, 2021 - 2:15 PM
Vernon could be the latest city to ban spiky fences in an effort to prevent deer and other wildlife from fatally impaling themselves on them.
Councillor Scott Anderson put forward a notice of motion at yesterday's, Nov. 9, meeting proposing the city ban such fences.
The problem occurs when deer attempt to jump over the fences and get impaled on the sharp metal tips.
READ MORE: Conservation service repeats warning after deer impaled on fence in Okanagan
Deer are often left suffering for hours until conservation officers arrive and euthanize the animals, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
"It just seems to me to be an unnecessary danger. It's dramatic for kids and dramatic for obviously the wildlife," Coun. Anderson said. "I know we have a deer problem but this is not the way to solve it."
Coun. Anderson said he's put forward the notice of motion after realizing how widespread the problem was.
In Kelowna, more than 20 deer are annually are being injured and killed by spiky fences. The majority of incidents take place between mid-December to mid-April.
READ MORE: Why conservation officers in Kelowna want this popular type of fence to be banned
Coun. Anderson said he didn't expect any pushback from his fellow councillors and that existing spiky fences would be grandfathered in.
If the proposed bylaw passes it will bring Vernon into line with the City of Kelowna that banned spiked fences last year.
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