Published: 5/13/2022 10:53:22 AM
DEERFIELD — The state Environmental Police on Tuesday cited a Deerfield resident whose unleashed dogs had chased a deer through the Deerfield River and killed it.
The man was given 21 days to appeal the citation or pay a $60 fine for the incident. As the individual was issued a non-criminal violation, the Environmental Police will not identify him.
According to one of the agency’s Facebook posts, someone fishing on the Deerfield River observed two dogs chasing a deer through the river on Monday and recorded the encounter. The dogs eventually caught up to the deer and killed it.
The following day, an Environmental Police officer contacted a nearby resident, who stated he had been walking three dogs when the two that were off leash ran after the deer, according to the post. The owner was subsequently cited for allowing the dogs to chase and kill deer.
“Citizens of the commonwealth are reminded to always have their dogs under control for their protection and to prevent negative encounters,” the Facebook post reads. “Spring is an important time of year for many wild animals to have and raise young. Wildlife encounters with domestic animals have the potential to separate young animals from mothers or result in attacks that often prove fatal.”
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.