RUSTLERS slit the throats of deer before making off with their carcasses to sell on for meat.

Only one of the herd of seven deer at the Thorpe Farm, on the A66 near Whorlton, County Durham is still alive.

A stag had been left in the fenced enclosure with its throat slit.

Some time between 3pm on Thursday and 3pm yesterday, thieves broke into the compound by cutting holes in the fence. They killed the deer and dragged their bodies up a bank and into a vehicle parked nearby.

It is believed that the stag was left behind as it was too big to get through the fence.

Thorpe Farm has a café and shop and keeps a variety of birds and animals which are popular with visitors. The deer were housed within a secure compound within the farm’s grounds.

Sergeant Jayne (corr) Burdess, from Barnard Castle Police, said: “In the current economic climate we have seen an increase in thefts of livestock in the Teesdale area.

“The deer in question however were animals from the protected environment of a local Teesdale animal farm, which is a popular attraction, enjoyed by both the young and old. “The deer have been killed for their meat and there is no guarantee that they were killed in a humane manner.

“This crime is very upsetting for everyone involved.”

A spokesman from the RSPCA said: "The RSPCA is shocked and appalled to hear of this. If anyone has any information regarding this we would urge them to contact the police immediately.”

Nobody from Thorpe Farm was available for comment yesterday.

Sgt Burdiss urged anyone who is offered venison locally or anyone who has any information about the thefts to call Barnard Castle Police on 0345-6060-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.