Judge Dismisses Suit To Halt Deer Cull; No Restraining Order Granted

Despite efforts of an animal advocacy group to halt the proposed deer cull in Southold, a judge dismissed a lawsuit that would have put the brakes on the program on Wednesday.

Bridgehampton resident Wendy Chamberlin, of the Wildlife Preservation Coalition, vowed on Feb. 12 at a town board meeting to pursue legal action after the Southold Town board voted unanimously to designate $25,000 toward the deer cull, which is being shepherded by the United States Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services division and the Long Island Farm Bureau.

Chamberlin confirmed last week that the papers had been filed and the litigation had commenced, as well as the temporary restraining order.

Chamberlin was proactive in protesting the deer cull in East Hampton; the East Hampton cull was called off for this year after anoutpouring of opposition and looming litigation.

According to Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell on Wednesday, "The judge dismissed the suit. The restraining order was not granted."

However, others are incensed about the cull and have promised to continue fighting. In a comment to Patch, Rose Kay said the Animal Welfare Institute put USDA "on notice" Friday, saying that the organization plans to take legal action regarding "serious violations of the National Environmental Policy Act. This isn't over yet," she wrote.

The issue has sharply divided the community, with scores of residents packing previous public hearings to cry out for the sharpshooter program, describing how their lives had been severely impacted by tick born diseases and car accidents caused by deer. Panels of experts also detailed the toll the burgeoning deer population has had on the local environment.

What do you think about the deer cull? Share your thoughts in the comments section.