Sampson Richard from Cornwall pleaded guilty to attempting to take, kill, or injure a deer without lawful authority, in violation of the Deer Act 1991. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order. Concerns were raised after a video on Facebook showed his dog, Butch, chasing and attacking a deer, while Richards encouraged the dog. The video depicted Butch pursuing the deer with the help of a lamping light. Richards can be heard encouraging the dog as it catches the deer, causing distress and pain to the animal. The video captured the deer’s suffering and the lack of intervention from Richards, raising concerns about the prolonged chase and eventual fate of the deer.
A vet who reviewed the footage for the RSPCA noted the cruelty inflicted on the deer by the illegal coursing activity. The deer suffered great pain, fear, and distress as the dog was actively encouraged and praised for attacking it. The video’s duration, 73 seconds, did not capture the full extent of the incident, leaving uncertainty about the length of the chase and the method used to end the deer’s suffering. In the absence of evidence of humane dispatch methods, the veterinarian concluded that the deer likely endured prolonged suffering before its fate was determined. Richards was sentenced to 180 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay costs and surcharges, with the confiscation of the lamping lamp used in the incident. Butch was signed over to the RSPCA for rehoming.
The RSPCA emphasized the importance of respecting and showing kindness to wildlife, highlighting the animals’ ability to feel pain similar to humans. The organization called for compassion and consideration towards all animals, emphasizing shared spaces with wildlife. Richards’ actions depict a disregard for the deer’s suffering and welfare, as evidenced by the distressing footage of the dog attacking the deer. The video captured a brutal and inhumane act, with Richards actively encouraging and praising the dog for its aggressive behavior towards the deer. Such incidents underscore the need for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws and interventions to prevent cruelty towards wildlife.
The court’s decision to sentence Richards to a community order and impose costs and surcharges reflects the seriousness of the offense and the need to deter such acts of cruelty towards animals. The forfeiture of the lamping lamp used in the incident serves as a symbolic measure to prevent similar offenses in the future. The transfer of Butch to the care of the RSPCA for rehoming demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of animals involved in such activities. The case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions towards animals and upholding the principles of animal welfare and protection in society.
The incident involving Richards and Butch sheds light on the cruel and illegal practices of deer coursing and animal cruelty. The video footage serves as a stark reminder of the suffering and pain inflicted on wildlife due to such activities. The law enforcement and the RSPCA’s response to the incident demonstrate a commitment to upholding animal welfare laws and ensuring that perpetrators of animal cruelty are held accountable. The case calls for increased awareness, education, and enforcement efforts to prevent similar incidents and protect wildlife from harm. By addressing such violations and promoting compassion towards animals, society can work towards creating a safer and more ethical environment for all living beings.
