WASHINGTON — An animal rights group has lost a fight to prevent officials from killing some deer in Rock Creek Park.

A judge on Thursday ruled against California-based In Defense of Animals and five District of Columbia residents who had filed a lawsuit to prevent the killings.

The National Park Service considered several options but ultimately decided the deer population needed to be reduced and that killing some was the best option. Animal rights advocates argued the deer could be managed with nonlethal methods. A judge hearing the case ruled for the park service.

Rock Creek Park deputy superintendent Cindy Cox says the park service is pleased with the ruling, and they’re looking forward to implementing the deer-control plan. No dates for killing the deer have been established.

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