Pregnant red deer shot with arrow

The hind was found with an arrow in its back

A heavily pregnant red deer was put down by estate stalkers after it was found with an arrow through its back.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association blamed poachers for wounding the animal in Wester Ross.

Workers from Inverbroom, Dundonnell and Guinard estates believe the hind could have been suffering for hours or days.

It also had a calf, which is expected to perish without its mother. Allan Cameron, Inverbroom head stalker, said the injury was "horrific".

He said: "She would have been in excruciating pain with very step she took.

"And three lives have been lost because this vicious attack means the calf will simply starve to death without its mother."