A deer was found with “catastrophic injuries” next to a cliff in Aberdeenshire after being spooked by fireworks, it’s understood.
The animal was found having suffering from a “badly fractured jaw and multiple leg fractures” at the foot of cliffs in Crovie on Sunday. New Arc Wildlife Rescue, a charity based in the area, were called out to the scene, but sadly, due to the extent of its injures, they had to euthanize the deer.
After speaking to members of the public who reported hearing fireworks being set off, charity staff believe that the animal was “spooked” by the sounds, fleeing and falling over the cliff edge.
A representative from New Arc Wildlife said: “With a badly fractured jaw, and multiple leg fractures, it was clear the deer had fallen from the cliffs above. Sadly due to the extent of the injuries we had no choice but to end the deer’s suffering immediately.
“Although we can only speculate as to what caused the deer to fall down the cliff, members of the public present at the scene stated there was a firework event adjacent to the incident location the previous night which may have spooked the deer.
“As it isn’t a common event to ind deer who have fallen from height, it is clear that something would have spooked the deer to cause it to run over the edge. Fireworks can be problematic for both vulnerable members of society, pets, livestock and wild animals.”
The charity have now urged members of the public to get involved with campaigns to address unregulated usage of fireworks.
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