A police investigation has been launched after “shocked” shop workers found scores of dead animals scattered in front of the building.
About 50 dead hares, a barn owl and a kestrel were found dumped outside Broughton Community Shop in Hampshire on Friday (March 15).
The shop wrote on its Facebook page: “Thank you all for popping in, messaging and phoning to make sure we are ok. We are ok, shocked but ok.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said the animals were collected and officers are investigating what happened.
The force is trying to identify the owners of a silver Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Villagers believe the grim display may be a sick message from poachers to discourage locals from meddling in their activities.
Other wild creatures including pheasant, deer and birds of prey have been dumped in surrounding roads and fields over recent weeks, including 27 rabbits outside a primary school.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said: “We are investigating following a report that a number of dead animals were left outside a shop in Broughton. We were called at around 6.20am on Friday, March 15.
“The animals have been collected and an investigation is underway. As part of our investigation we are seeking to identify the owners of a silver Suzuki Grand Vitara.
“If you saw a vehicle matching this description in the area between Thursday night and Friday morning, please get in touch.”
According to the Guardian, villagers in Broughton believe hare coursers may also have been involved.
Salisbury Plain is reportedly a popular place for criminal gangs to live stream events for people betting on which animal will be killed first.
Mike Hensman, treasurer of the village shop, told the same publication that the whole incident on CCTV, which he said had been passed on to the police.
He added: “The guy that opened the shop – he shoots so he’s used to this. And he’s still distraught. He’s struggling to cope with it because it was pretty horrific.”
