Controversial deer management proposed ordinance heats up in densely-populated Avon Lake

AVON LAKE, Ohio - A deer management public meeting in Avon Lake filled the house Monday night.

Both sides of the controversial issue were discussed in a joint safety committee and environmental committee session. One side favors birth control, claiming the city is too populated for safely using lethal methods, such as sharpshooters and bow hunting.

The other side supports the city's proposed ordinance, which reduces the herd by having police and qualified city employees perform the hunt.

"We happen to believe that hunting or culling will never be safe in a city as densely populated as Avon Lake," said Michele Murphy, a concerned citizen.

"Hopefully, we can do this in a way that most people can feel that it reduces the number of the herd, and does it safely and humanely," said David Cox, the chairman of the Safety Committee.

The committee expects to move the ordinance to the full body of council for three readings and passage to become law.