Dogs kill reindeer at Hampshire petting zoo
A reindeer has been killed and another seriously injured by a pack of dogs at a petting zoo in Hampshire.
The animals were attacked at Twelve Oaks Farm in Swanmore at around 11.30pm on Friday night.
The five dogs reportedly broke free from a 4x4 Jeep that drove through the farm's fence while it was being chased by officers on the ground and in a helicopter for poaching.
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According to the BBC, Comet's owner, Emma Thompson, said: "It's devastating. These are our pets, we loved them. I'm heartbroken and angry I don't know why people would do it."
Emma posted an account of the incident on the farm's Facebook page.
I am writing this with great sadness and anger , this evening poachers used our farm to escape the police smashing...
Posted by Emma`s mobile farm on Friday, December 4, 2015
Emma said one of the dogs had its jaws around Candy's neck, and the animal currently cannot walk due to its injuries.
The occupants of the Jeep fled after the car got stuck in mud. The dogs have now been removed from the farm.
A Hampshire Police spokesman told the Daily Echo: "I can confirm that police are investigating criminal damage on farm land in Brickyard Road near Winchester, sometime between 11.30pm and 12.30am.
"Police have seized five dogs that were found loose on the land. We are aware that a reindeer and a rabbit were killed and another reindeer was injured.
"No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information should contact the force on 101, quoting reference 44150422868."
