Summary
Deer numbers in Britain are at their highest in 1,000 years, leading to significant damage to woodlands and crops. To address this, the UK government has introduced a plan making it easier to cull deer, especially at night and during closed seasons. The plan aims to protect the environment and farmers' livelihoods, although some animal welfare groups oppose culling.
Key Facts
- There are over two million deer in Britain, a record high for a millennium.
- Deer have damaged one third of English woodlands and caused expensive crop losses.
- The UK government introduced a 10-year plan to simplify deer culling, including night and off-season shoots.
- Farmers might gain new legal rights to cull deer to protect crops.
- More than 74,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur each year, causing up to 20 deaths and over 700 injuries.
- Six deer species exist in Britain, with only red and roe deer being native.
- Some animal groups, like PETA, suggest non-lethal methods such as better habitat management and fencing.
- The plan also aims to support the venison market as part of managing deer populations.
