Severed legs not result of poaching, say police

Buckerell resident Sue Cade came across the grisly scene while walking her dogs in Dunkeswell.

Police have quelled fears of deer poaching in Dunkeswell after a dog walker found three dismembered legs while walking her dogs.

Sue Cade came across the grisly scene while taking her dogs near Shepton Crossroads, in Dunkeswell, last Monday (February 23).

The Buckerell resident said she thought they may have been left following deer culling or stalking.

“It was a bit peculiar because the legs were sawn off,” Sue said.

“It made the rest of the walk very upsetting.”

Honiton police said the legs were not associated with poaching.

Honiton PCSO Steve Mingo added: “Further evidence has come to light that suggests an offence of deer poaching has in fact not been committed.

“A local officer was already aware of a deer carcass at the exact location last Friday, when he was alerted to it by a member of public.

“He checked and found it to be a collision injury which had killed the deer; all meat was left and it had injuries conducive with a car strike.

“The location was re-attended by the same officer who confirmed that the remains seen had been eaten by other wildlife.

“We would like to thank the public for their diligent attention and if anybody wishes to report potential wildlife offences to call us on 101.”