In a recent government meeting, resident Kristen Hammond raised serious concerns regarding the handling of a sick deer in Hollywood Park, highlighting issues of communication and animal welfare. Hammond detailed her distressing experience with a frail doe that exhibited severe symptoms, including drooling and inability to move, which she reported to Randy Thomasini, the local deer manager.
Hammond described multiple attempts to seek assistance for the ailing animal, expressing frustration over Thomasini's delayed responses and the decision not to euthanize the deer due to Texas Parks and Wildlife guidelines. Despite her insistence on the animal's suffering, Thomasini reportedly stated that he could not act unless the deer was in a more critical state.
The situation escalated when the doe was later found deceased in a neighbor's yard, raising concerns about potential health hazards and the spread of disease among the local deer population. Hammond criticized the lack of empathy and urgency in addressing the animal's suffering, stating, \"The treatment of the doe was inhumane.\"
In her letter to the council, Hammond posed several questions regarding the responsibilities and training of the deer manager, the appropriate points of contact for future incidents, and the legal guidelines surrounding euthanization. She emphasized the need for clearer communication and better management of wildlife issues in the community.
The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in managing wildlife health and the importance of responsive animal care protocols. As residents continue to advocate for improved practices, the council is expected to address these concerns in future discussions.