A driver was left "appalled" by the way that a wounded deer was put down by firearms officers on the M5 this morning. The deer was reportedly shot by police on a motorway slip road at junction 11 in Gloucestershire today (Friday, June 10), after it had been hit by a vehicle.
According to a witness, police blocked off the junction at around 7am before a firearms officer fired his weapon five times over a period of several minutes to put down the animal. A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said that the animal was "put down in the most humane way possible".
The witness said: "I am absolutely appalled not only by the awful way this animal was treated, with one lady in another car also witnessing this being reduced to tears."
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A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: "Shortly before 6.50am this morning (Friday, June 10) police were called to a report of an injured deer on the M5 slip road at junction 11. It was believed that the deer had been hit by a vehicle and was in a lot of distress.
“Due to the injuries suffered and distress it was in, the deer sadly had to be put down to prevent any further suffering. Officers ensured that the animal was put down in the most humane way possible."
