Mown deer and crops destroyed in a “barbaric” attack
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A “barbaric” attack left fallow deer dead and crops destroyed on a farm in Dorset.
Poachers entered a field in Christchurch overnight and used a vehicle to mow down the animal.
The Dorset Police Rural Crime Team has released a number of images in the aftermath of the incident, which is believed to have taken place on the night of Wednesday 16 June.
See also: What to do if you are a victim of … hare racing
PC Sebastian Haggett said: ‘These are the scenes a Dorset farmer woke up to this morning.
“An intruder entered a field in a vehicle overnight, felled crops and then killed a deer. It appears to have been done by coming into contact with him in a vehicle. “
Vehicle damage © Dorset Police Rural Crime Team
The officer said the footage is “disturbing” and a “reminder of the realities of poaching”.
He added: “This is not ‘one for the pot’ or the result of a starving individual trying to feed their family.
“If you see a vehicle in a field at night and suspect poaching is in progress, don’t delay and dial 999.”
Dead deer run over by poachers © Dorset Police Rural Crime Team
Disgusted farmer
The farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “This is just another example of the continued attacks farmers suffer daily from poachers.
“There is no connection between starving families and this crime, only the desire of a minority of individuals who think it is okay to behave this way in our community.
“Unreported incidents like this are commonplace; as a community, we have a responsibility to report anything related to these crimes in order to allow the allocation of resources.
“With joint reporting from farming communities and members of the public, we can all play our part in ending this barbaric and sadistic behavior. “
The repression of poaching
Defra plans to introduce legislation to crack down on illegal hare racing and deer poaching offenses, which includes an update to game and poaching laws that date back to the 1800s.
Tougher penalties for offenders will include unlimited fines and new powers for courts to impose longer prison sentences.
On June 17, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow chaired a roundtable with police and stakeholders, including the Country Land and Business Association and the National Farmers Union, to outline possible options for legislation and initiate detailed work to develop the plans.
Calf cow killed in dog attack on Dorset farm
A calf cow and her unborn calf were killed following an attack by a roaming dog on a farm in Dorset.
Dorset Police said the attack took place between June 14 and 21 in a field behind High Street in Shapwick.
“The cow was a Jersey cow, 11 years old and in calf. Neither survived, â€said a police spokesperson.
Anyone walking through the area between these dates along the public footpath through these fields and seeing a dog attacking cows is urged to call Dorset Police on 101, citing reference number 55210099217.
Police urged walkers to keep dogs on a leash when crossing cattle.
“Just because your dog has never worried livestock before doesn’t mean that he never will,†said PCSO Andy Flanagan.
The attack follows a similar incident in Eggardon Hill, Dorset, in May, when an uncontrollable dog killed “Gladis”, a heavy calf Highland cow.
Since the attack, farmer Cameron Farquharson has started a petition called “Gladis’ Law,” calling for a change in the law to require all dogs to be kept on a leash when cattle are in a field.
To support the petition, send an email to [email protected]