Sask. wildlife officials looking into suspected animal cruelty video

VIDEO ABOVE: Disturbing video shows hunter riding a wounded deer like a sled – WARNING: Disturbing content. Discretion is advised

SASKATOON – Saskatchewan wildlife officials are investigating a case of suspected animal cruelty following the posting of a video on Facebook.

The video shows a hunter riding a wounded deer on a sled down a hill, while a person holding the camera provides commentary.

The rider and the deer then crash into the snow at the bottom of the hill.

Officials with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment call the video disturbing but are unable to lay charges until they have more information.

“Try to determine who is involved, trying to determine a location and possibly do some interviews if they can determine who it is,” said Richard Hildebrand, a conservation officer with the ministry.

Watch the video below: wildlife officials are investigate a suspected case of animal cruelty – WARNING: Disturbing content. Discretion is advise

Under the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act, the only charges that may be applicable are for disobeying hunting regulations, species guidelines and hunting seasons.

Animal cruelty charges fall under the Criminal Code and include causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Penalties range from 18-months incarceration or a $10,000 fine up to a maximum of five years in prison.

This is not the first time a video has been posted to the internet where official have stepped in. In 2008, a video was posted showing three men killing ducks on a pond.

The trio, from Cudworth, Sask., were found guilty of illegally killing six birds and fined $16,000.

Officials continue to investigation the latest incident and will pass the file over to the RCMP if charges are warranted.

– With files from The Canadian Press