IN PICTURES: The controversial deer who live in a Basel City cemetery

A plan to shoot several deer who live in a cemetery just a few kilometres from the centre of Basel is causing a stir in Switzerland. 

In May 2020, cantonal police in Basel City approved a request from city gardeners to cull several deer who live at the canton’s Hörnli Cemetery (Friedhof am Hörnli). 

EXPLAINED: Why a plan to shoot deer at this Basel City cemetery is causing a storm 

Animal rights advocates have challenged the request, saying the deer should be protected. 

The cull has been suspended after an appeal was made to the Justice and Security Department of Basel City. 

Deer snacking on flowers at Basel's Hörnli Cemetery. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

A deer in the cemetery in Basel City. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

A deer walks through a cemetery in Basel City. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

 

The deer have lived in the cemetery since it was built in 1926. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

The plan is to shoot around ten of the deer. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

The Neue Zürcher Zeitung said that the cemetery is a “culinary paradise” for the deer “with its variety of flowers and other plants”.

The plan involves creeping into the cemetery at night and using silencer-equipped rifles to shoot the deer. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

 

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

There are an estimated 25 deer in the cemetery. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP