Of all people, the nature-loving British, who love to hunt in many places, have a wildlife problem. The deer and roe deer population on the island has exploded to such an extent that it is at an all-time high of approximately two million animals. A culinary solution would make sense, but the question is missing. Now British school kitchens “Bambi” and Co. should put on the menu.
As majestic as British deer look, they are a headache for farmers, foresters and the like. The animals have no natural enemies in the wild; wolves and bears are no longer native to the island.
750,000 animals must be shot
Up to two million deer and roe deer have lived in Britain in recent years, with around 350,000 shot each year. Far too little to contain the population, experts told the Times. To achieve a lasting effect, you need to “take” 750,000 animals, as the hunters say.
The fact that deer and roe deer were able to spread so well is not only due to the absence of large predators. The mild winters, which led to a boom in agriculture and forestry, including an increased food supply, and the declining demand for game meat also play into the hands of the animals.
Visiting wildlife in lockdown
The corona pandemic also did the rest; during the lockdowns, the animals discovered vegetable gardens and the like in British gardens as a tasty nutritional supplement. It was not uncommon to see them in urban green spaces.
British hunters are being urged to start shooting more again as the game causes £4.5 million in damage to British agriculture and forestry every year, the BBC reports. But what to do with the meat?
Game meat in the school canteen
Before the pandemic, about 80 percent of game meat went to restaurants, but demand naturally fell during Corona, reports Peter Watson of the Deer Initiative organization. Now they want to break new ground and make deer, deer, etc. tasty for the little ones.
The shot game should be incorporated into school and nursery kitchens. The industry initiative Eat Wild now ensures this; the southern English company Tops Day Nurseries, which cares for more than 4,000 children, has already put game on the menu several times.
“Deer population is out of control”
Supermarkets also need to be increasingly motivated to offer meat again. The benefits are clear, says Eat Wild boss Louisa Clutterbuck: “The meat is not treated with growth hormones or antibiotics.” It can also be offered at a significantly lower price: “The deer population is out of control at a time when there is an oversupply.”
Animal rights activists were furious
However, motivated animal rights activists are not happy with these initiatives. Elisa Allen of the British branch of PETA protests: “Wild animals can control their own populations if there is not enough food.” The introduction of wolves or lynxes and artificial contraception are also options.
However, Charles Smith-Jones of the British Deer Society disputes this: “It takes years for artificial contraception, especially contraceptives, to work.” Instead, the animals would be sentenced to starvation. So the only way to go is on the board.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
