Global News - November 2007

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Police try to stop illegal deer poaching

Thu 15 November 2007 15:45 UK — Europe,Farm Animals

Police in south Wales and the UK's Forestry Commission have joined forces to try to tackle the illegal poaching of deer.

Operation Antler aims to encourage members of the public to report poachers who sell venison to pubs and restaurants in the run-up to Christmas.

PC Andrew Scourfield told the BBC: "The public's perception of deer poaching may be a romantic image of an individual at night with a rifle in order to 'bag one for the pot'.

"Unfortunately the reality is somewhat different. Today's poacher is likely to be more sophisticated and involved in other areas of crime such as drug dealing, burglary, theft or fraud.

"They will be in possession of 4x4 vehicles, high-powered rifles and hunting dogs such as lurchers."

As part of the campaign, officials plan to highlight the cruelty to the deer of the poachers, who are unlikely to be trained or experienced stalkers. They are also unlikely to know where to shoot the creatures to make sure the kill is clean.

Alan Knight OBE, CEO of International Animal Rescue said: "It is vital that the general public supports this initiative to crack down on deer poaching.

"Poachers cause terrible suffering to animals which are often shot inexpertly and left to die a slow and painful death from their wounds. Wildlife crime cannot be taken too seriously and we welcome these efforts by the police and the Forestry Commission to combat it."

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