A man who used a stick to fatally beat the deer as it struggled to swim to shore was arrested. POLICE
The Ministry of Environment has issued a stark condemnation following the brutal killing of a red muntjac in Koh Kong province. The incident, involving a man who used a stick to fatally beat the deer as it struggled to swim to shore, occurred at Kok Hav beach on October 25.
The ministry issued a November 1 statement forcefully denouncing the act, emphasising the red muntjac’s (muntiacus muntjak) status as a protected species of deer indigenous to Southeast Asia, and calling for the strict enforcement of laws pertaining to protected areas.
It urged the public to refrain from killing wildlife and to cease the purchase and consumption of bush meat, calling for active participation in the protection and conservation of natural resources and wildlife.
Hun Marady, director of the provincial environment department, and Koh Kong provincial police chief Kong Mono could not be reached for comment.
But according to a social media post by provincial governor Mithona Phouthong, authorities have since arrested a suspect in connection with the killing.
It identifies the individual as 23-year-old security guard Tan Ou Khong, originally from Kandieng district’s Svay Luong commune in neighbouring Pursat province.
The governor praised the dedicated efforts of law enforcement and all those involved who tirelessly worked to identify and apprehend the suspect, ensuring that the case could be processed according to legal procedures.
Prior to the arrest, she had offered a reward of 4 million riel ($1,000) for information leading to the identification of the individuals responsible for the act. She also assured that the identities of those providing such information would remain confidential.
“This case involves a person who committed an act of grave immorality and ignorance … It is utterly reprehensible that someone used a stick to strike a [deer] swimming towards the land, causing its death on the spot,” she said.
Seng Teak, country director for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Cambodia, expressed his condemnation on November 2.
“The animal, struggling to swim and survive with no way forward or back, was cruelly beaten to death in the water. I strongly condemn this inhumane act,” he stated.
With over 25 years of experience in wildlife conservation in the Kingdom, he appealed to the public to cherish and protect the country’s wildlife, recognising it as a vital natural heritage for future generations.
He urged an immediate end to inhumane practices, such as trapping, trafficking and the consumption of bush meat.
