Two youths found guilty of killing fawn

16/12/2009

Two male youths have been found guilty of killing a fawn in Poole. The teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons were convicted at Poole Youth Court.

Paul Griffin, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Dorset said: "This was a shocking attack on a defenceless animal that was only a few weeks old. These defendants caused a huge amount of stress, injury and suffering to the fawn in the last moments of its life. The whole attack must have been extremely distressing for the fawn and its mother.

"Cases such as these are rare, but are upsetting. I'd like to thank our prosecution witness for his courage in coming forward and giving evidence and David Holah, the vet who has been involved throughout the building of the prosecution case".

Three defendants were charged with one count of killing, taking or injuring deer (Deer Act 1991) and one count of causing cruelty to a wild mammal (Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996).

Two 17 year olds were convicted of the first offence and acquitted of the second. A 16 year old was acquitted of all charges.

Sentencing was adjourned until 14 January at Poole Youth Court.

The incident happened on June 10 this year at Upton Country Park, Poole.