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Judge Orders Man To Repeatedly Watch 'Bambi' In Jail After Killing Hundreds Of Deer

Judge Orders Man To Repeatedly Watch 'Bambi' In Jail After Killing Hundreds Of Deer

The judge took a novel approach to sentencing after the 'hunter' was convicted for killing hundreds of bucks.

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Universally poachers are deemed to be among the lowest of the low; killing unsuspecting and often defenceless animals, whether it's for their body parts or just sport is pretty disgusting.

And as such it's not surprising that when they are brought to justice it is met with widespread support.

But whereas you might think months or years in prison would be enough for these heartless killers, one judge took a novel approach to his ruling when he felt that prison just wasn't enough for one 'hunter'.

After being convicted of killing hundreds of deer, David Berry Jr was sentenced to a year in prison, but during his time behind bars he must also watch the classic Disney film Bambi as part of his punishment.

It's hoped that by watching the 1942 animation once a month the poacher will see the error of his ways.

Berry was arrested by police along with three family members, including his dad.
Berry was arrested by police along with three family members, including his dad.

According to official court records, dated December 6, Berry 'is to view the Walt Disney movie Bambi, with the first viewing being on or before December 23, 2018, and at least one such viewing each month thereafter, during defendant's incarceration in the Lawrence County Jail'.

Local media outlet, Springfield News-Leaderpringfield News-Leader, reported that after killing the poor animals he would chop their head off before leaving their bloody corpse to rot.

Berry, along with three family members, was busted by police following a multi-year poaching investigation, which saw the gang target young bucks.

It's understood to be one of the largest such cases ever investigated by the state of Missouri.

Berry was ordered to watch the 1942 classic once a month for the next year.
Disney

Berry and his father have had their hunting, fishing and trapping privileges revoked for life by the Missouri Conservation Commission.

The father and son were both on probation for taking game fish by hand when they were caught by police for poaching deer.

Berry Sr is currently awaiting his sentence for his most recent offence.

Randy Dorman from the Missouri Department of Conservation said they heads were taken as trophies to feed their 'greed and ego'.

He added: "Taking just the heads is their version of obtaining a 'trophy' and leaving the carcass behind is merely an afterthought.

"While there are some cases where poachers go after the antlers for profit, with this bunch it was more about the thrill of the kill itself.

"In situations like this, with serial poachers who have no regard for the animals, rules of fair chase, or aren't bothered by the fact that they're stealing from others, it's all about greed and ego."

Featured Image Credit: AP/Disney

Topics: Interesting, US News, Animals