Express & Star

Cannock Chase deer carcass sparks probe on poaching

An investigation has been launched after the remains of deer were found on Cannock Chase.

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Wildlife campaigners believe the animals are being shot and butchered for expensive venison meat.

Faye Burton, from the Rural Policing Liaison Group, made the distressing discovery at Shoal Hill. She believes gangs are shooting the animals, bundling them into vans and taking them away, before returning later in cars to dump parts they cannot sell.

She said they are using smaller vehicles when they go back to the Chase to avoid detection.

Police have launched a crackdown to tackle the issue of poachers. Uniformed and plain-clothed police officers are carrying out late-night patrols across the Chase. Three men were arrested earlier this month on suspicion of poaching offences.

Ms Burton said: "To find something like this is distressing. For these people to just go and coldly kill a deer, it is a criminal act and we need people to come forward and stand up to it."

Witnesses are asked to call police on 101.

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