Letter to the Editor – Jacksonville Review August 2025

ONE SUNDAY MORNING, the 13-year-old, half blind Australian Shepherd was walking quietly on the lawn at Nunan Square. As her 85-year-old owner, Linda, watched in horror, a doe came out of hiding and knocked Krispy down. When the dog rolled in pain the doe pummelled her head and stomach. She was rushed to the emergency vet but her injuries were too great and she needed to be put down. The whole neighborhood misses this gentle dog.

This particular doe was mother to twin fawns who were hiding nearby at the time and, seeing the dog as a threat, the doe attacked to protect her fawns. This same doe constantly stalks and threatens people, as well. Everyone must be extremely cautious when it’s fawn season, especially when walking a dog. Deer look sweet and fragile, but they are extremely powerful and can be very aggressive.

All of Jacksonville has problems with deer and the herds are growing. The City of Jacksonville will not remove them, unless injured, nor will the Dept. of Fish and Game. As citizens we must learn to deal with them as best we can, but there is one solution to help keep them at a minimum in our neighborhoods – STOP FEEDING THEM! When deer are given food and water they become too comfortable around people and keep returning, with their fawns, to areas that they see as a food source. They are wild animals who have survived without our help. Yes, it’s hot, but they know where their water sources are and they know how to find food. Feeding and watering them disrupts their natural foraging instincts. It is also unhealthy for them. Too many deer sharing the same standing water can lead to Chronic Wasting Disease which eventually kills them.

The City of Jacksonville has passed an ordinance trying to curb people feeding the deer. It is now unlawful and the first offence carries a fine of $250. The second offence doubles to $500, and the third offence, and any thereafter, will be $1000. Our town’s citizens must be aware that this is an effort on the City’s part to keep our people and their pets safe from attack. Deer are wild animals. Let them stay wild.