ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Ann Arbor City Council voted against an amendment overnight that would have put a stop to deer culling.
It's a controversial method of controlling the deer population through hunting and killing them.
This means the $150,000 a year program to cut the deer population in Ann Arbor will continue to be funded into next year, despite protest from many in the community.
During a city council meeting last night both supporter and protesters of deer culling addressed city council members. Those against the program said the killing of deer would not control the population and that deer would just repopulate again.
Those in favor of the culling program say deer have stopped getting into their yards and destroying vegetation.
Culling has been conducted in the City of Ann Arbor for the past four years. Since 2016, sharpshooters have eliminated 386 deer in Ann Arbor.
Another reason it has gained support from some is the idea that it cuts down on the amount of car accidents involving deer.
The amendment to eliminate the city’s deer management program was defeated on a 2-9 vote.
