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Witchcraft link to headless stag dressed in a T-shirt
9:17am Friday 25th April 2008
By Julian Robinson »
The gruesome story of a beheaded stag whose carcass was left dressed in a T-shirt has left a community baffled and sickened.
Lying at the edge of a field was the body of a fallow deer - its head missing and its carcass fitted with a bloodied white T-shirt.
Commoners living in Burley in the New Forest had spotted the antlered animal roaming around farmland in the past few months.
But this week its mutilated body was found, a knife used to cut through its neck and human clothing stretched over the carcass in a macabre act.
The head and antlers have not been recovered.
The discovery has baffled residents who have been trying to piece together why such a gruesome act was carried out.
Rumours were rife of links to witchcraft, as Burley is known to have historical connections with the occult.
One of the village's most famous inhabitants, Sybil Leek, became an authority on the subject when she lived there during the 1950s.
But police have played down any connection, despite the circumstances in which the animal was found. They say it is likely the head was removed for the antlers but have no explanation for why it had been left dressed in a T-shirt.
A spokesman said: "There is nothing to suggest that there is any link with witchcraft and to do so would be wild speculation.
"It is unusual in so far as the head has been removed and someone has put a T-shirt on its torso.
"We are led to believe it died of natural causes and that somebody then took its head for its antlers."
Meanwhile Forestry Commission bosses say it could merely have been the shameful antics of a group of practical jokers.
The deer's body, which was first discovered at land near Beechwood Lane on Sunday, has now been taken away.
Burley Parish Council chairman Roger Hutchings said: "I would not have thought there was any connection with witchcraft. But I know in this area there have been issues with horse mutilation which have been put down to all sorts of unpleasant motivations.
"Putting a T-shirt on it was odd.
"I have no recollection of anything in the past like this - not in this area.
"Most of our residents are very pro-animal and one of the main reasons people come to visit the area is to see the wildlife."
Your Say YourEcho
hulla, baloo says...
9:34am Fri 25 Apr 08
To put the antlers on the top of the column leading up to his bedsit in Chilworth
hmm, says...
9:39am Fri 25 Apr 08
And
"Putting a T-shirt on it was odd"
Putting a t-shirt over it surely?
jimbo, Southampton says...
9:40am Fri 25 Apr 08
hmm wrote:And you wrote that because...?
\"human clothing stretched over the carcass\" And \"Putting a T-shirt on it was odd\" Putting a t-shirt over it surely?
Satan, says...
9:48am Fri 25 Apr 08
The dark lord, says...
10:12am Fri 25 Apr 08
It is obvious that the stag's mates got a bit jealous that one of their kind was wearing a t-shirt so they sorted him out.
Andy, Locks Heath says...
10:18am Fri 25 Apr 08
Gazbo Biggun, Soton says...
10:22am Fri 25 Apr 08
hulla wrote:"Bedsit"?
Probably Denzil.
To put the antlers on the top of the column leading up to his bedsit in Chilworth
I thought he lived in a Caravan?
The deer head is probably for his dinner.
Shazza, says...
10:39am Fri 25 Apr 08
sailor sam, portsmouth says...
10:45am Fri 25 Apr 08
calm down dear, Burley says...
10:48am Fri 25 Apr 08
Steve, says...
10:49am Fri 25 Apr 08
hmm wrote:Why is this forum graced with so many pedants who actually don't know what they're talking about?
"human clothing stretched over the carcass" And "Putting a T-shirt on it was odd" Putting a t-shirt over it surely?
sailor sam, portsmouth says...
10:53am Fri 25 Apr 08
Steve wrote:Good question Steve!
hmm wrote: "human clothing stretched over the carcass" And "Putting a T-shirt on it was odd" Putting a t-shirt over it surely?Why is this forum graced with so many pedants who actually don't know what they're talking about?
Perhaps you would be kind enough to tell us!
Confused, says...
11:07am Fri 25 Apr 08
"There is nothing to suggest that there is any link with witchcraft and to do so would be wild speculation"
Be confused no more, just read the whole thing says...
11:13am Fri 25 Apr 08
Confused wrote:"Rumours were rife of links to witchcraft, as Burley is known to have historical connections with the occult."
Witchcraft link to headless stag dressed in a T-shirt "There is nothing to suggest that there is any link with witchcraft and to do so would be wild speculation"
Chris, Hampshire says...
11:14am Fri 25 Apr 08
Confused wrote:Priceless!
Witchcraft link to headless stag dressed in a T-shirt \\\"There is nothing to suggest that there is any link with witchcraft and to do so would be wild speculation\\\"
'Confused', I think you should edit this paper, because the current encumbant seems totally inept!!
Numpty basher, says...
11:52am Fri 25 Apr 08
Chris wrote:Another numpty who can't read the whole story.
Confused wrote: Witchcraft link to headless stag dressed in a T-shirt \\\"There is nothing to suggest that there is any link with witchcraft and to do so would be wild speculation\\\"Priceless! 'Confused', I think you should edit this paper, because the current encumbant seems totally inept!!
Brilliant.
Derek, Dibden Purlieu says...
12:33pm Fri 25 Apr 08
hmm, says...
12:51pm Fri 25 Apr 08
hmm, says...
1:02pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Anon, So'ton says...
2:03pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Jim Little, SCC says...
2:36pm Fri 25 Apr 08
james_little, southampton City Council says...
2:41pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Denzil, Chilworth says...
2:43pm Fri 25 Apr 08
hulla wrote:Jealousy will get you nowhere you grubby little urchin.
Probably Denzil. To put the antlers on the top of the column leading up to his bedsit in Chilworth
Mmmm, says...
2:44pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Anon wrote:did it have a t shirt on?
This story has just reminded me of something I saw a couple of months ago on the main road into Downton. Wedged between two large branches of a tree that had grown into a v shape was a dead stag. There was no way the animal could've jumped in there itself and died as it was too high off the ground. It was obvious the poor thing had been stuffed in the small gap by someone. Whether the animal died of starvation as it was trapped or if it was put there once it was dead is a mystery, but it does seem odd that in the space of a couple of months there is another frankly disgusting attack on a deer!
Real Life Witch, Southampton says...
2:47pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Does the Daily Echo know anything about this religion at all?
I thought not!
Being Wiccan (a witch) myself I find the link tenuous if not a little far fetched.
You are right about Burley having links with the craft though, it is also a really beautfiful place.
I assume that if it is proven to be non-witch related the Echo will print an apology to the Wiccan community? Thought not!
There is a mis-conception that witchcraft is evil and people who define as witches sacrifice animals, this is simply not true at all, in fact, majority of witches are vegetarian!
It may also be a good time to mention that the primary law of the craft is "An it harm none, do what ye will" - do I need to translate for anyone?
james_little, southampton City Council says...
2:49pm Fri 25 Apr 08
good_girl, Southampton says...
2:52pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Anon, So'ton says...
3:02pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Mmmm wrote:No, it didn't have a t'shirt on. But, you must admit it is a little strange!!
Anon wrote: This story has just reminded me of something I saw a couple of months ago on the main road into Downton. Wedged between two large branches of a tree that had grown into a v shape was a dead stag. There was no way the animal could've jumped in there itself and died as it was too high off the ground. It was obvious the poor thing had been stuffed in the small gap by someone. Whether the animal died of starvation as it was trapped or if it was put there once it was dead is a mystery, but it does seem odd that in the space of a couple of months there is another frankly disgusting attack on a deer!did it have a t shirt on?
james_little, southampton City Council says...
3:03pm Fri 25 Apr 08
good_girl wrote:i don't wanna witch hunt after me :)
Ill give your details to the poile James Little. Maybe you can assist with this criminal enquiry?
Creature Void of Form, says...
3:12pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Real Life Witch wrote:I don't think the Echo owes an apology as it did state the rumours were due to historical links and then it balanced this by quoting the Police who had played down any connection.
So why is witchcraft being blamed for this? Does the Daily Echo know anything about this religion at all? I thought not! Being Wiccan (a witch) myself I find the link tenuous if not a little far fetched. You are right about Burley having links with the craft though, it is also a really beautfiful place. I assume that if it is proven to be non-witch related the Echo will print an apology to the Wiccan community? Thought not! There is a mis-conception that witchcraft is evil and people who define as witches sacrifice animals, this is simply not true at all, in fact, majority of witches are vegetarian! It may also be a good time to mention that the primary law of the craft is "An it harm none, do what ye will" - do I need to translate for anyone?
I personally have no problem with witches or anybody that worships the 'other side'. I feel people are crazy for worshipping God and therefore crazy for worshipping anything else.
Your primary law makes sense and it's a shame the God Botherers never followed similar rules throughout history.
Mmmm, says...
3:16pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Anon wrote:it is very strange. I enquired in case it could be some sort of calling card.
Mmmm wrote:No, it didn't have a t'shirt on. But, you must admit it is a little strange!!Anon wrote: This story has just reminded me of something I saw a couple of months ago on the main road into Downton. Wedged between two large branches of a tree that had grown into a v shape was a dead stag. There was no way the animal could've jumped in there itself and died as it was too high off the ground. It was obvious the poor thing had been stuffed in the small gap by someone. Whether the animal died of starvation as it was trapped or if it was put there once it was dead is a mystery, but it does seem odd that in the space of a couple of months there is another frankly disgusting attack on a deer!did it have a t shirt on?
james_little, southampton City Council says...
3:17pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Gavin Winnde-T'urbine, says...
3:58pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Real Life Witch wrote:Yawn. Who cares? Wicca is nothing more than a pretentious arrangement of foundless superstitions created to give the friendless oddballs something to do. There really isn't a misconception that Wicca is evil or anything to do with animal sacrifice, that itself is a misconception on the part of "witches". There is a perfectly valid conception that it's a tiresome collection of people who think wearing purple nail polish and feeling a bit funny about Stonehenge makes them mystical in some way. Grow up for goodness sake, nobody cares that you prance about in a forest reciting poetry and talking to trees
So why is witchcraft being blamed for this?
Does the Daily Echo know anything about this religion at all?
I thought not!
Being Wiccan (a witch) myself I find the link tenuous if not a little
far fetched.
You are right about Burley having links with the craft though, it is
also a really beautfiful place.
I assume that if it is proven to be non-witch related the Echo will
print an apology to the Wiccan community? Thought not!
There is a mis-conception that witchcraft is evil and people who define
as witches sacrifice animals, this is simply not true at all, in fact,
majority of witches are vegetarian!
It may also be a good time to mention that the primary law of the craft
is "An it harm none, do what ye will" - do I need to translate for
anyone?
Catweazle, Castle Saburac says...
4:13pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Jennifer Emick, says...
7:37pm Fri 25 Apr 08
sheitma pance, southampton says...
8:05pm Fri 25 Apr 08
creature of form, next door says...
9:37pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Creature Void of Form wrote:You really are a right bore
Real Life Witch wrote: So why is witchcraft being blamed for this? Does the Daily Echo know anything about this religion at all? I thought not! Being Wiccan (a witch) myself I find the link tenuous if not a little far fetched. You are right about Burley having links with the craft though, it is also a really beautfiful place. I assume that if it is proven to be non-witch related the Echo will print an apology to the Wiccan community? Thought not! There is a mis-conception that witchcraft is evil and people who define as witches sacrifice animals, this is simply not true at all, in fact, majority of witches are vegetarian! It may also be a good time to mention that the primary law of the craft is "An it harm none, do what ye will" - do I need to translate for anyone?I don't think the Echo owes an apology as it did state the rumours were due to historical links and then it balanced this by quoting the Police who had played down any connection. I personally have no problem with witches or anybody that worships the 'other side'. I feel people are crazy for worshipping God and therefore crazy for worshipping anything else. Your primary law makes sense and it's a shame the God Botherers never followed similar rules throughout history.
Finlay, Des Moines, Iowa says...
1:28am Sat 26 Apr 08
mr jonson, southampton says...
4:44pm Sat 26 Apr 08
it is obviously the act of some very disturbed person who should be very severely punished but if he is found i have no doubt that the punishment will be a "dont do it again".
makes me sick i would like to see the culprit get his cummupence.
sirona, tampa, florida says...
8:21pm Sat 26 Apr 08
Gavin Winnde-T\'urbine wrote:Gavin, please don't discount someone's comments simply because you disagree with their choice of religion. No one is asking you to believe in it, so try to be a little less disdainful. What the witch above did not include in her valid defense of wicca, I will: we hold the stag sacred as a symbol of divine masculine energy. No witch would cause intentional harm to any animal, especially this one. And obviously YOU care or you wouldn't have crafted such a well-worded response (even if I do think you're being hostile) to someone who said what needed to be said. I would suggest that if you think we 'prance around in a forest reciting poetry and talking to trees' you do some research first. I hope no one applies the same broad brush of hate and ignorance to you .
Real Life Witch wrote:Yawn. Who cares? Wicca is nothing more than a pretentious arrangement of foundless superstitions created to give the friendless oddballs something to do. There really isn\'t a misconception that Wicca is evil or anything to do with animal sacrifice, that itself is a misconception on the part of \"witches\". There is a perfectly valid conception that it\'s a tiresome collection of people who think wearing purple nail polish and feeling a bit funny about Stonehenge makes them mystical in some way. Grow up for goodness sake, nobody cares that you prance about in a forest reciting poetry and talking to trees
So why is witchcraft being blamed for this?
Does the Daily Echo know anything about this religion at all?
I thought not!
Being Wiccan (a witch) myself I find the link tenuous if not a little
far fetched.
You are right about Burley having links with the craft though, it is
also a really beautfiful place.
I assume that if it is proven to be non-witch related the Echo will
print an apology to the Wiccan community? Thought not!
There is a mis-conception that witchcraft is evil and people who define
as witches sacrifice animals, this is simply not true at all, in fact,
majority of witches are vegetarian!
It may also be a good time to mention that the primary law of the craft
is \"An it harm none, do what ye will\" - do I need to translate for
anyone?
Stacey, canada says...
8:57am Sun 27 Apr 08
james_little wrote:All teenagers?! I never killed an animal when I was a teenager niether did any of my friends. The 2% of teenagers that would do something like this are likely young psychopaths, and may be killing humans next...
why is this in the news, all teenagers go through a phase of animal killing, its part of growing up
And no it probably had nothing to do with witchcraft, it was most likely shear boredom and mental instablility.
i know best, dorset says...
6:43pm Sun 27 Apr 08
i know best, dorset says...
6:45pm Sun 27 Apr 08
josh, colorado says...
4:17pm Tue 29 Apr 08
james_little wrote:dude... not cool, if you dont know what your talking about dont talk. stuff like that makes you seem like an ignorant fool...
Reports state two witches were seen fleeing the scene on broomsticks
Elizabeth Percy, Kent UK says...
8:24pm Mon 5 May 08
ashley, Dandridge, TN, United States says...
10:27pm Mon 5 May 08
Reg Eldridge, Hastings says...
11:28am Mon 12 May 08
the Craft,it did say;"Rumours were rife of links to witchcraft, as Burley is known to have historical connections with the occult".
But then went on to say;"But police have played down any connection, despite the circumstances in which the animal was found." "They say it is likely the head was removed for the antlers but have no explanation for why it had been left dressed in a T-shirt."
And;"A spokesman said: "There is nothing to suggest that there is any link with witchcraft and to do so would be wild speculation"We are led to believe it died of natural causes and that somebody then took its head for its antlers."
I use these direct quotes for the benefit of
real life witch and others who obviously could
not be bothered to read the entire article but
judged it according to their own prejudice.
Though it is true that no true Witch or Pagan
would do such a thing,holding all life sacrad
as we do.
Thought I would also add that although I am vegetarian,most Pagans and Witches I have known,and know,are not.
Your sayYourEcho
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Witchsmeller Pursuivant, says...
9:23am Fri 25 Apr 08