A BUTCHERED deer was dumped on a public footpath on Portland.

Shocked residents made the grisly discovery on a path under a bridge at New Ground.

The Japanese sika deer, a young male, had its head and a leg cut off.

Sam Hamer, of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said it appeared that someone had tried to butcher it for meat.

He said: “It’s sad and a shame that this deer has died but it seems likely it was killed in an accident.

“From the injuries and condition of the carcass it seems the deer was hit by a car, taken away by someone who tried to butcher it and then dumped here.

“One of the back legs was broken and there were other injuries which indicate it was in a road accident.

“I can see it was hung up on something like a gambrel and there were knife marks which imply someone took it and tried to butcher it, but from the way it’s been attempted they didn’t know what they were doing.”

Mr Hamer added: “It’s a Japanese sika deer, a yearling male about 18 months to two years old.

“The nearest place where these deer are found is a small area near Bincombe, but predominantly they are found in Purbeck.

“The best thing to do if you hit an animal is call the police so that it can be properly disposed of or given help if it’s injured.

“It’s not a good idea to take the carcass away and you don’t know what condition the animal is in so it may not be safe to eat.”

He said: “You would really need to know what you’re doing to hygienically or safely butcher a deer.

“It looks like this person started but gave up once they realised what a big job it is.

“To dump animal remains like this is completely illegal and somewhere like this is completely inappropriate because there are members of the public around.

“This is one of many things that are illegally dumped in the quarries on Portland.”

Mr Hamer appealed for residents to report incidents of items being dumped on the island.

Horrific encounter with the decapitated sika

COUNCILLOR Sandy West said: “I saw the deer and I think it’s horrific.

“It must have been awful for people to see, especially children. Dumping it there was senseless and a horrible thing to do. It’s unusual for Portland because a lot of residents like wildlife.

“I’m hoping if anyone knows anything they will get in touch with the police or Dorset Wildlife Trust. People should call the authorities about road kill.”

A Portland resident, who did not want to be named, said: “The deer had been killed and decapitated and left below the old tramway bridge at New Ground, Portland.

“Why would anyone bring a carcass to Portland to dump? It’s such a shame.”