Deer are no different than rats
Virtually every municipality in the country has regulations concerning the treatment of vermin (rats). The residents are not just discouraged from feeding them or allowing them to propagate, but are fined for allowing this. Rats are known to carry diseases, usually through fleas or ticks, that can be passed on to domestic pets and even humans. It is well established that rats were the source of the bubonic plague, killing a third of Europe in the 14th century.
If one substitutes the word “deer” for “rat” the situation is the same. Deer carry fleas and ticks, which in some cases carry Lyme disease. In recent articles in most papers in Pittsburgh, many veterinarians were talking about the epidemic of Lyme disease in domestic pets, and particularly in dogs. Some of the disease is transmitted by fleas and ticks from deer as well as from deer feces that the dogs eat. Recently, there have been complaints from utility crews working on gas and water lines that were located in spots where deer typically sleep. Within hours, most of the crews were covered with ticks. For those who think the deer are cute and inoffensive, one might ask how they would feel if the discussion was about rats instead.
Jim Cannon
Mt. Lebanon