Young deer found ‘mauled to death’  with antlers sawn off at Camelon Cemetery

Falkirk Council said that the deer was ‘mauled to death’ and Forth Valley Police Wildlife Crime Officers have been notified of the incident.

The young buck, which was in velvet - meaning it had velvet covered antlers – was found with them sawn off in the car park just outside the crematorium.

Reports from countryside rangers state that the incident happened either at night, on Sunday February 14, or early on Monday morning.

A countryside ranger via the Facebook page Falkirk Explored said: “This is another disgusting incident in this area.

"Forth Valley Police Wildlife Crime officers have been notified of this offence.

“If you saw or heard anything then do not hesitate to call the police.”

The incident sparked an appeal from Falkirk Council.

A spokesman said: “Dogs must be kept under control and not allowed to chase wild animals.

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"In this case, an innocent young deer was mauled to death and we’re working closely with Police Scotland to investigate this serious matter.”

“We’d urge anyone with any information to contact Police Scotland on 101 as soon as possible.”

The news comes after a number of incidents in the area of dogs chasing and killing deer.

Police Scotland has not yet received this specific report, but confirmed that they had been informed of a dead deer in an area nearby on Saturday afternoon at around 1.30pm.

Officers are currently trying to establish the cause of death for the animal found lying on Carronvale Road.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received report on Saturday of a dead deer in an area off Carronvale Road, Falkirk.

"Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish more details."

Falkirk Council has reminded pet owners that it is an offence to let their dog chase any wild animal.

In a statement addressing this issue, the local authority added: "You must keep your dog under control at all times or may be liable to a Dog Control Order under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010.

"If you suspect wildlife crime has taken place regarding dogs and deer or any other animal, please report it to local wildlife crime officers.”

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