OPP investigating ‘disturbing’ video of officers striking deer with axe
Posted September 12, 2023 5:31 pm.
Last Updated September 12, 2023 5:32 pm.
Warning: This article contains details that some readers might find disturbing. Discretion is strongly advised.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an investigation has been launched after officers in the eastern part of the province were captured on video striking a deer with an axe on the side of a road.
A video posted on X by the account Animal Justice shows two officers, one standing back and the other striking what appears to be a deer with an axe. The axe is seen being thrown from the officer’s hands after hitting the animal, and the video ends.
Animal Justice, a Canadian nonprofit organization, confirmed with CityNews it has filed a complaint against the OPP on grounds of animal cruelty.
“It’s illegal to cause animals unnecessary pain and suffering, and police are NOT above the law,” Animal Justice wrote on X.
An OPP spokesperson said the police force is aware of the incident, saying officers “attempted to dispatch a suffering deer using the side of an axe.”
“This video is disturbing. This is not the way officers are trained or are expected to deal with this scenario. An investigation is underway,” OPP wrote on X.
CityNews has reached out to OPP for comment.
The #OPP is aware of an incident in Kenora where officers attempted to dispatch a suffering deer using the side of an axe. This video is disturbing. This is not the way officers are trained or are expected to deal with this scenario. An investigation is underway. pic.twitter.com/OkoyHyt8kf
— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) September 12, 2023
