The incident occurred around 11:30 pm on Sunday, when a local resident heard a gunshot and discovered a wounded deer wobbling on its feet, confronted by a hunter. Izabela Kadłucka from the Let Them Live! foundation reported, "The hunter, upon seeing the resident, claimed he was hunting wild boar and quickly left the scene."
This incident has led to a police and prosecutor's office investigation, focusing on potential violations of hunting laws. "The hunt's proximity to residential buildings and its occurrence after dark raise serious legal and safety concerns," Kadłucka said. Notably, hunting deer at night is prohibited, with exceptions only for wild boar.
The case has particularly appalled the community, as Bartek was a well-known and tame deer, fed and cared for by residents for years. "Killing a tame, gentle animal was probably not difficult," Kadłucka lamented.
Local police officer Edyta Bagrowska confirmed that the police are actively working on the case. "We have received a notice of suspicion of a crime under the Animal Protection Act and are working to identify and detain the perpetrator," she stated.
Unofficial sources suggest the hunter's identity is known, as he reportedly signed in the hunting book.
The incident has raised significant questions about hunting regulations and animal rights, sparking a heated debate in the local community and beyond, with the fate of Bartek, the beloved deer of Szklarska Poręba, likely to become a symbol of the broader issues surrounding wildlife protection and hunting ethics.
(jh)
Source: PAP