Deer killed just weeks after swan slaughter

Friday, 18 March 2011 15:56

Animal Friends was horrified to read that a herd of deer has been targeted by vicious killers just two miles from where 40 swans were shot dead earlier this month. 

Alstone Wildlife Park received an anonymous call stating that the deer were running loose. The park has reported that the enclosure’s 7ft fence had been broken down, and that the anonymous caller is suspected as the culprit. Keepers raced to the deer, which had been herded to a muddy riverbank in the night, but were unable to rescue two of the deer who became stuck in the mud before being washed away in the river Brue, in Somerset.

This incident has sparked fears that a ‘crazed’ hunter is on the loose, and the owner of the wildlife park has asked for anyone who may have been taking their dogs for a late walk to come forward if they saw anyone tampering with the enclosure or anything suspicious that may help with police enquiries.

This incident follows after the bodies of dead swans were found dead on the county’s moors and levels near the village of Wedmore. A spokesman for Secret World described finding the dead birds as ‘one of the worst incidents they had ever attended’.

Animal Friends has reported on the swan attacks, so click here to read the article for all of the details surrounding the swan attacks. Animal Friends also donated money to the appeal for the conviction of those involved, as these attacks have happened on our doorstep and we are sickened to think these people are roaming free, endangering the wildlife and any other animals in the area.