PIRC recommendations following police use of firearms to dispatch injured animal

We have published our findings and recommendations into Police Scotland’s use of firearms to dispatch an injured deer.

In July 2024, Police Scotland received several reports that a deer had been struck by a vehicle on the M8. Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) were sent to humanely dispatch the animal after a vet could not be located however this involved multiple shots discharged over a twenty-minute period.

PIRC’s investigation - called Operation Dunan - found that Police Scotland followed the correct training, policy and guidelines and that, in the circumstances, the use of firearms was appropriate to end suffering.

However, PIRC has advised Police Scotland to set out protocol and procedures for liaising with a vet or appropriate agency for the safe management of injured animals in future.

PIRC has further recommended that Operational Firearms Commanders identify the best location to maintain effective command in such circumstances and that all Initial Tactical Firearms Commanders are reminded to consult with a Firearms Tactical Advisor when sent to firearms incidents.

Read PIRC's investigation report - police discharge of firearms 24 July 2024.