Czech authorities are investigating the discovery of dozens of severed deer heads and legs found in a wooded area, along with the carcasses of wild boars and a fox. The unusual find raises concerns about potential illegal hunting and the spread of animal diseases.
The remains were discovered in a small forest clearing near a field path connecting the villages of Božíkov and Mimoně. Authorities say the find includes approximately 30 deer heads and a similar number of deer legs, known in hunting terminology as “runs.”
The presence of wild boar carcasses prompted officials to collect samples for testing, due to the risk of diseases such as trichinosis, brucellosis, leptospirosis, and swine fever. According to Petr Majer, a spokesperson for the State Veterinary Administration, tests for African swine fever and classical swine fever came back negative.
“Samples were taken from the wild boar carcasses on site and sent to the State Veterinary Institute in Prague for testing for African and classical swine fever. Testing did not detect either African swine fever or classical swine fever,” Majer said.
The local hunting association, Heřmaničky-Veselí, has responsibility for the hunting grounds where the remains were found. Officials say the association has arranged for the proper disposal of the animal remains through a specialized disposal company.
Authorities are now reviewing documentation from the hunting association to ensure compliance with veterinary laws, including reporting requirements for harvested game and mandatory testing for trichinosis. “the case is not fully closed,” Majer explained.
The case has been escalated to the economic crimes unit of the Czech Lípa regional police department. Police are investigating the incident as potential damage to the environment and a threat to animal health, as well as the possible spread of infectious animal diseases.
“The case has been taken over for investigation by the economic crime department of the regional police department in Česká Lípa. The investigator has already initiated criminal proceedings for the possible suspicion of committing two crimes – damage to and endangering the environment and the spread of an infectious animal disease,” said police spokeswoman Ivana Baláková.
The investigation is ongoing, and the legal classification of the case may be subject to change. Police have not released further details at this time.
“Unacceptable Behavior”
In late February, reports surfaced regarding the discovery of the animal remains. Jiří Poživil, chairman of the Heřmaničky-Veselí hunting association, was contacted for comment. When approached at his home, Poživil appeared unsurprised by the discovery of the deer heads, legs, wild boar carcasses, and a fox in the publicly accessible forest.
“I don’t know, maybe there were some drives. That’s not something impossible or unimaginable,” he commented. After viewing photographs of the scene, he shrugged and confirmed the location falls within their hunting grounds, which are not leased to anyone.
“I don’t know what you’re looking for in this. Someone probably should have buried it, but that’s nothing that would violate the law or regulations. Someone will probably clean it up,” Poživil said at the time.
Jiří Janota, chairman of the Czech Moravian Hunting Association, offered a different perspective. He suggested that a violation of hunting laws may have occurred, as the law requires hunters to conduct hunts in a manner consistent with ethical rules and hygienic standards.
“As soon as we obtain all relevant information from the ongoing investigation and it is proven that it concerns a member or members of the Czech Moravian Hunting Association, we will take appropriate action,” Janota said.
“Such behavior is completely unacceptable within our ranks, is in direct conflict with the principles of respect for nature, and seriously damages the reputation of hunting. It is a mistake by an individual or specific group that unfortunately affects all other hunters who fulfill their duties conscientiously,” he added.
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Photo: Seznam Zprávy
