Pursat provincial authorities are investigating a shocking case of animal cruelty in which a group of people reportedly beat a 110kg pregnant sambar deer and set dogs on it, leading to its death on May 18.
The provincial Department of Environment reported that the deer, carrying an unborn fawn, wandered into a residential area in Bun Rany Sen Chey Damnak Troyueng village, Prongil commune, Phnom Kravanh district. Upon its arrival in the village, several individuals ganged up to beat the wild animal and incited dogs to attack it.
The attacks caused the deer to panic and collide with a wire fence, causing deep lacerations, and it was ultimately bitten to death by the dogs in a cassava plantation, according to the department.
The loss of the rare wildlife has left local authorities and environmental officials deeply saddened.
“The Department of Environment considers this inhumane act not only a destruction of natural resources and vulnerable wildlife but also a serious violation of the Environmental Code,” said the department.
“The department strongly condemns the actions of these ill-intentioned individuals. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation and charges will be laid,” it added.
Following the incident, park rangers from the Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary and local authorities invited monks to perform a traditional funeral rite, Bangskol, to dedicate merit to the souls of the female deer and her ill-fated unborn fawn.
In cases where wildlife is found in residential areas, authorities urge all citizens to participate in their protection and conservation by immediately reporting their presence to environmental officials or the nearest local authorities. This ensures timely rescue and avoids accidental or intentional injury or killing of wildlife, said the department.