A deer, similar to the two which were shot dead, roams the parkland at Boughton Monchelsea Place

WARNING: This story contains a graphic image some readers may find disturbing

by Martin Jefferies

An investigation is under way after a "sick individual" brutally shot two deer on a country estate near Maidstone.

The first shooting at Boughton Monchelsea Place is believed to have happened last Thursday (June 7), when a deer was found with a gunshot wound and a dislocated jaw. Distraught estate workers had to put the animal down to prevent any further suffering.

On Monday, a second deer was found with its head hanging oddly and blood flowing from its eye. The animal also had to be down.

Both deer were examined by RSPCA inspectors, who found the animals had been illegally shot several times in the head and neck.

One of the gunshot wounds suffered by one of the animals

The owner, Marice Kendrick, said the deer were two of her best.

"I'm distressed and very angry that someone seems to be using these beautiful wild animals as target practice," she said.

"This sick individual has killed two of my biggest and best bucks which could jeopardise the future of the herd."

She added: "At least if someone is shooting for a purpose like food you can understand it but just to do it for target practice is beyond my comprehension."

The country manor house on the Boughton Monchelsea Place estate

The estate has a herd of more than 100 wild fallow deer, which have roamed the parkland around the manor house for at least four centuries.

It is a private estate with no footpaths running across it, although it does host weddings.

RSPCA inspector Emily Cheeseman said: "The person peppering these animals with shots has caused these two bucks to suffer horribly for days until they were found and killed humanely.

"We would appeal to anyone who has information about who has been wounding these animals to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSCPA, in confidence, on 0300 1234 999.