Deer trapped by their antlers shot dead by police

TWO deer were put down after being mauled by a dog whilst their antlers were tangled together in Plymouth, writes Eve Watson.

The animals were spotted in Forder Valley Stream early yesteday. Their antlers appeared to be tangled together by some netting and barbed wire.

The distressed deer were then reportedly attacked by a dog, and witnesses called the RSPCA to assist. Police were called to the scene where the entangled deer were humanely destroyed.

One local who witnessed the events unfold, described what happened.

They said: “There were two deer with great big antlers stuck together. Upon closer inspection we thought it could be rope of some kind.

“The RSPCA inspected the deer with binoculars and they were too badly injured to be saved.

“Three police cars turned up with armed marksmen in and it took them six shots to kill both deer as they had entanglement from the neck and injuries from the dog.”

They continued: “With Forder Valley Road shut, I can’t emphasise how eerie it was. It was silent. I can’t explain how sad it is, they’re such beautiful and graceful animals and to go through that is horrible.

“The person from the RSPCA said children set up football goals and deer get inquisitive and get tangled up in the goal netting.”