Deer killed and crops damaged by poacher in south Dorset

Police have shared these distressing images from the farmer that owns the field, in a bid to put an end to this type of "barbaric and sadistic behaviour".

PC Sebastian Haggett said: "These are the scenes that a farmer in Dorset has awoken to this morning.

"A trespasser has entered a field in a vehicle in the night, driven down crop and then killed a deer.

"It appears this has been done by making contact with it in a vehicle.

"The images are unsettling and are a reminder of the realities of poaching.

"This is not “one for the pot” or the result of a hungry individual trying to feed their family."

The deer appears to have been hit by the car. Picture: Dorset Police Rural Crime Team

The farmer who owned the field, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "This is just another example of the ongoing attacks farmers are experiencing on a daily basis from poachers.

"There is no link between hungry families and this crime but only a desire from a minority of individuals who think it’s acceptable to behave in our community like this.

"Unreported incidents like this are common place; as a community we have a responsibility to report everything that is linked to these crimes in order to allow resources to be allocated.

The tracks across the crop. Picture: Dorset Police Rural Crime Team

"With joined up reporting from farming communities and members of the public we can all play our part in putting an end to this barbaric and sadistic behaviour."

Police are reminding anyone that sees a vehicle in a field at night and that appears to poaching, do not delay in dialling 999..