As Worthington embarks on a city-sanctioned cull to manage its burgeoning deer population, a lawsuit is raising tensions around the practice. The city is using federal wildlife sharpshooters for the task, and while one firearms expert insists the operation is safe, some residents remain concerned. Eric Delbert, with over 40 years in the field and law enforcement experience, reassured that the specialized frangible ammunition significantly mitigates risk to the public. "They should not be concerned," Delbert said, emphasizing the safety measures. "Put in the hands of sharpshooters with this type of ammunition, it is a safe environment to do what they’re intended to do," he told WBNS.
However, the voice of the community tells a somewhat different story. According to NBC4i, a Franklin County judge granted Kevin Callinan, a local resident, a temporary order preventing the sharpshooters from operating within 1,000 feet of his home. "I don’t like the idea of, you know, these high-powered rifles within our city limits," another resident expressed, sharing concerns over the potential dangers despite officials' reassurances.
Amidst these concerns, Worthington officials maintain a stance of confidence in the safety and necessity of their approach. The city's statement, citing extensive planning and input, suggested a high priority on safety and coordination. “Safety is the highest priority during the planning and implementation of this program," the city said, as reported by WBNS. Yet, a resident's lawsuit adds a wrinkle to the narrative, questioning the transparency and potential psychological impact on children who may witness the culling.
The city has budgeted $75,000 for the program, aiming to reduce deer-related incidents, which have included 48 fatal crashes since 2020, based on data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol cited by WBNS. All the while, some animal welfare advocates argue for non-lethal solutions, with PETA President Tracy Reiman labeling the kill-based approach as cruel and ultimately ineffective, stating, “Gunning down deer is cruel, unnecessary, and ultimately ineffective.”
