THE butchered remains of four deer have been discovered in a rural Oxfordshire layby.
The heads, hides and lower legs of two muntjac and four fallow deer were found dumped in a layby on Church Road, Great Milton, near the junction with the A329.
The RSPCA believes the deer were wild but say there were no clues as to who left them there.
RSPCA inspector Doug Davidson said: "It seems that someone has taken these deer and butchered them for meat to sell on or keep, then discarded the unwanted remains.
"We are presuming that the deer were acquired illegally, due to the dumping of the remains.
"The RSPCA is asking anyone who has seen anything suspicious or knows anything about this to contact us as soon as possible."
Under the Deer Act, 1991, it is an offence to intentionally take, kill or injure any deer without the consent of the owner of the land.
The penalty is a three-month prison sentence and/or a £2,500 fine.
Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999.
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