Outraged animal lovers in Aberdeen are urging residents to write to their councillors to halt a planned deer cull in Aberdeen.
Council chiefs are considering hiring marksmen to kill the animals across the city to keep their numbers “manageable”.
The move, which will be discussed at the communities, infrastructure and housing committee next Tuesday, comes amid concerns for local trees, plants and other wildlife.
It is also thought a cull could reduce the number of motorists hitting the animals – with figures revealing that north-east drivers are killing at the rate of more than one a week.
The local authority prompted anger in 2012 when it killed more than 40 deer over a year on Tullos Hill after trees were planted.
Now, those opposed to the previous shoot have criticised the “cull crazy” council and urged residents to write to their councillors.
A spokeswoman for Save The Tullos Hill Deer group said” “The last official count we know of in January 2014 showed shockingly low numbers.
“This city seems to want to shoot first, and ask no questions.”
John Robins, of the Animal Concern charity, added: “Aberdeen City Council is cull crazy. They have yet to adequately answer questions about the cost and effect of previous very extensive culling.
“They scaremonger about road traffic accidents caused by deer. Far more are caused by dogs and people, are they going to cull those too?
“People should be made aware that deer now live in every town and city in Scotland. Drivers have to take account of this just as they have to be aware of other far more common road hazards.
“With the current state of the economy Aberdeen City Council should have better things to spend public money on rather than creating an unnecessary witch hunt against deer.”
Vice-convener of the committee, councillor Gordon Graham, said last night he is yet to make his final decision on the vote.
He said: “I’m in a bit of a dilemma because I do think deer need to be protected but I wonder if proper deer management is the way to go about it.
“I will read the report thoroughly before making my decision.”