What to know
- A deer was found dead from an arrow at Toronto’s Park Lawn Cemetery on Jan. 1, prompting a Ministry of Natural Resources investigation.
- Police and conservation officers are involved, with potential charges including animal cruelty and weapon possession; no suspect has been identified.
A deer was found shot dead with a bow and arrow in Park Lawn Cemetery on Jan. 1, and the Ministry of Natural Resources is investigating.
On New Year’s Day, shortly before 9 a.m., a passerby spotted a dead deer in Park Lawn Cemetery, adjacent to King’s Mill Park near the Humber River, Toronto police told Now Toronto on Wednesday.
Officers attended and located the deceased antlered white-tailed deer with an arrow in its side.
Police notified a Conservation Officer about the incident, and the ministry has launched an investigation.
Investigators believe the animal was shot about a day before it was found, and left there to waste, the Ministry of Natural Resources tells Now Toronto.
There is no available suspect description at the moment.
“This is a serious offence, and the ministry is committed to holding those responsible accountable,” a spokesperson from the ministry said in a statement.
Possible charges for this level of crime include possession of a weapon, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, and injuring or endangering an animal.
The ministry is seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects, specifically any video recording from the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the ministry’s TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667, reach out to their local ministry office, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
