For the first time, someone in Truro, N.S. has been fined for feeding deer in their backyard.
Jeannie Samad began feeding deer two years ago. They come to her yard day and night, in all kinds of weather.
“The most I've had that we counted one evening was 25,” says Samad.
The Town of Truro has a bylaw against feeding deer if a complaint is received.
Someone filed a complaint against Samad and after several warnings, she was ticketed Wednesday with a fine of $233.95
“I wouldn't have to feed them if I thought they were being fed,” says Samad.
Town officials say the issue is about safety to the public and the deer.
“This is the first time we've had to resort to actually issuing a ticket,” says Truro planning director Jason Fox. “There is exposure to people, in terms of vehicle deer collisions, there's also the concern of, they do carry the blacklegged tick, which has been associated with carrying Lyme disease.”
Some residents say they feel issuing tickets for feeding deer goes too far.
“I don't think it’s fair,” says resident Gordon Tees. “I kinda would like to be able to do whatever can be done to help the wildlife situation.”
Samad says she will not be feeding the deer this year; however, she would not make any promises for next winter.
Town officials are hoping the ticket will stop deer feeding, not only in this case, but that it may be a message to others considering the action.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh
