Deer poaching with guns and dogs reported in Teignbridge

Devon and Cornwall Police have ramped up their presence in rural Teignbridge in response to a surge in suspected illegal deer poaching.

Neighbourhood officers will carry out targeted patrols in poaching hotspots, using thermal imaging, drones and stop searches to catch those involved.

The increased enforcement follows multiple reports from farmers and members of the public about people seen hunting with guns and dogs in areas known to be home to deer.

“This illegal activity will not be tolerated,” said PC George Miller. “There have been sightings from farmers and the general public of individuals with hunting guns and coursing with dogs in areas where we know deer are located.”

The crackdown will involve a number of innovative methods, allowing officers to cover large areas quickly and safely. They will also be seizing firearms, vehicles and hunting equipment where necessary.

“Poaching doesn’t just harm our deer populations through unethical and unregulated killing,” PC Miller explained. “It creates safety risks to the public, particularly when unlicensed firearms are involved, and raises concerns about potentially contaminated venison entering the food chain.”

He added that the public’s help is vital: “If you’ve seen anything suspicious recently – even if it seems small – please let us know. Every piece of information helps us protect wildlife and rural communities.”

What to do if you see poaching in progress:

• Call 999 if a wildlife crime is happening now.

• To report incidents after the fact, call 101 or visit devon-cornwall.police.uk and search ‘Report a wildlife crime’.

• You can also report information anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Know the law:

• Under the Game Act 1831, it is an offence to trespass on land in pursuit of deer or game during the day (1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset).

• Under the Night Poaching Act 1828, it is an arrestable offence to hunt deer or rabbits at night (1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise), including from roads, paths or verges.