8:30am Saturday 13th June 2009
A DOG walker who witnessed three youths repeatedly stamping on a baby deer has spoken of his horror at the attack, which killed the animal.
Construction worker, Keith Arthurs, 51, dialled 999 after a walk through Upton Country Park at about 5pm on Wednesday (June 10) made him an eyewitness to the brutal killing of the fawn.
News of the attack broke on this website on Thursday, and the Echo has been inundated with pledges of donations to a police reward fund from readers across the country.
“Three youths were in a field facing towards me from about 30 metres. One of them picked up the animal for no reason at all, and I got the impression they were going to harm it. That’s when I dialled 999.
“He hit the animal over the head and dropped it to the floor. Then they all took it in turns to repeatedly stamp on it. This went on for the best part of a couple of minutes.
“I’ve witnessed some things in my life, but nothing as horrific as that,” said Mr Arthurs.
The dog walker said he had done what anyone else would have in reporting the attack and urged anyone with information to contact the police.
“We’re supposed to be a nation of animal lovers. Surely someone knows something. The police said they will probably brag about it to their friends.
“If anyone can come up with any information they should contact the police, even if they give the information anonymously,” said Mr Arthurs.
PC John Snellin, Dorset Police’s wildlife officer, is leading the investigation and said information and offers of support were flooding in.
“We have had first names, surnames, and nicknames given to us of those alleged to have been involved in the attack.
"And we have also been contacted by scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) who have offered to examine the carcass for DNA traces, free of charge," said PC Snellin.
Three white males, thought to be aged in their mid-teens, with short black hair, and dressed in tracksuit trousers and hooded tops are being sought by police in connection with the attack.
• Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 01202 222222, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers Service on 0800 555 111, where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
• Readers wishing to donate to a Dorset Police reward fund should call 01202 222222, and quote incident reference I/10/377.
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