Two deer have been stolen from a school in Lichfield.
Staffordshire Police have warned that the animals may have been killed and taken for food, but inoculation drugs injected into them means that the meat is not fit for consumption.
Offenders damaged fencing surrounding a small herd of deer kept at the Maple Hayes School in Abnalls Lane, Lichfield.
A stag has been left fighting for life suffering serious injuries probably caused by dogs yesterday evening or overnight.
PC Steve Bristow, from Chasetown neighbourhood policing unit, said:
“We are warning people who are approached to buy any venison not to accept or eat any meat they suspect may have come from the two animals. It’s believed the animals were dragged across fields to the Walsall Road. They must have been put in a vehicle or vehicles and driven away.”
Police are appealing to anyone who has been offered any deer meat in suspicious circumstances to contact them. They are also asking anyone who saw the offenders and their dogs or have any information to contact PC Bristow at Chasetown neighbourhood policing unit, on 0300 123 4455, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
