The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is dedicated to providing humane and compassionate solutions to wildlife concerns, including issues related to our deer population. For the past few years, we have actively engaged in discussions with the County regarding their proposed deer management plan, advocating for non-lethal alternatives and highlighting the importance of coexisting with our local wildlife.
While we understand the County has decided to move forward with a sharpshooting program, a direction that differs from our consistent position, we remain deeply committed to our mission of protecting animals and wildlife. We recognize that the County’s decision is based on multiple factors, but we believe there are more humane ways to manage deer populations, and we do not support this cull.
In order to implement a deer cull in Arlington, the County code must be amended to allow professional sharpshooting in County-owned parks. Such changes require approval from the County Board, which is likely to consider the matter this fall and winter, according to the County’s timeline. AWLA is following this matter closely and will share updates and information with the community as appropriate.
We want to thank the Arlington community for your continued support throughout this process. Your voices have been invaluable in ensuring that wildlife issues are discussed with care and consideration. Moving forward, AWLA will continue advocating for wildlife protection and humane solutions to ecological challenges. Our work does not end here, and we will remain steadfast in our efforts to promote compassionate coexistence with all animals in Arlington County.
Together, we will achieve our vision of a humane community where wildlife and people live together harmoniously.
