Deer stolen from Staffordshire school not fit for cunsumption

Mar 31 2009 by justine halifax, Birmingham Mail

POLICE issued a public health warning today after two deer were slaughtered and stolen from a Lichfield school.

Staffordshire Police believe the animals were killed and taken for food, but officers have revealed that inoculation drugs injected into the deer mean their meat is not fit for human consumption.

Residents are being warned not to buy or eat any venison which they are offered without knowing the exact source.

Police believe the deer were stolen from a small herd kept at Maple Hayes School in Abnalls Lane, Lichfield, during Sunday evening or early Monday morning.

A stag was left fighting for life after suffering serious injuries at the school which police believe were probably caused by dogs.

PC Steve Bristow, from Chasetown neighbourhood policing unit, said: “We are warning people who are approached to buy any venison not to accept or eat any meat they suspect may have come from the two animals.

“It’s believed the animals were dragged across fields to the Walsall Road. They must have been put in a vehicle or vehicles and driven away.”

Anyone with information about is asked to telephone PC Bristow at Chasetown neighbourhood policing unit, on 0300 123 4455, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.