Bransgore man Kristen Cooper charged with raft of offences including trying to kill deer

A BRANSGORE man has been charged with a host of offences by police investigating animal cruelty offences.

Kristen Cooper (23), of Westbury Close, was charged with 16 offences after officers searched a home in the town on 3rd October last year in relation to allegations of cruelty to deer and hares.

Cooper has been charged with: seven counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal; two offences of trying to kill a deer at night; four counts of criminal damage; handling stolen goods; using a motor vehicle without insurance; and driving a vehicle without a licence.

PC Adrian Woodhead said: We will continue to work tirelessly with our colleagues to ensure that those people who target rural communities and cause destruction and damage to wildlife and animals are targeted to bring them to justice.

"If you have knowledge of those who are involved in hare coursing, poaching causing criminal damage to gates, crops and fragile countryside then call us in confidence on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Cooper is due to appear at Poole Magistrates' Court on Friday 20th January.

Two other men arrested as part of the investigation were released under investigation while enquiries continue.