Oct. 14. Davidson Police euthanized a severely injured deer on Griffith Street last Thursday, resulting in a complaint from an eyewitness who said it was unnecessary. Davidson Police responded, saying the deer had broken hips and legs:

“An investigation took place regarding the incident including review of the body-worn camera (BWC) footage, which captured a difficult situation involving an injured deer. The deer sustained severe injuries, including broken hips and both legs, making it impossible for the animal to stand on its own.

“A passerby who examined the deer confirmed its injuries, and made clear the animal would not survive if left to suffer. Euthanizing the deer onsite was determined the most appropriate and humane course of action.

“For safety reasons, officers asked the complainant to step back as they prepared to discharge a firearm. The officers prioritized both the complainant’s safety and the practical need to avoid harm from the bullet and the noise.

“The officers handled the situation respectfully, remaining polite but firm when the complainant tried to continue the discussion. For the complainant’s safety, officers repeatedly asked him to move back to the sidewalk, but he resisted and expressed his preference to take the deer to a vet. One of the officers asked the complainant not to complicate an already complex situation by ignoring instructions.

“Deer strikes are a common occurrence in Davidson, and the humane dispatch of an injured deer is sometimes necessary. Our officers are trained in wildlife management and have practical experience in these types of situations. Police do not transport injured deer in vehicles, nor do they allow private individuals to do so.

“Transporting wildlife, dead or alive, is illegal under North Carolina state law (§113‑291). It is uncertain whether CMPD Animal Control would have responded to assist with a deer strike, given the circumstance and timing of the incident. Additionally, the physiology of deer makes recovery from traumatic injuries unlikely, and it is known that many veterinarians are not equipped to treat wild animals, especially in cases of severe injury like this one.

“The Davidson Police Department takes incidents like this seriously, adhering to established protocols and always prioritizing the safety of our community.”