Oregon man accused of animal abuse for riding deer, police say

An Oregon man is accused of animal abuse after a video showed him riding on the back of a young mule deer while it was trapped inside a fenced area.

Jacob Belcher, 18, of Riley, was arrested Friday by Oregon State Police and charged with wildlife harassment and animal abuse, The Oregonian reported.

State Police officials said their Fish and Wildlife division received a video that showed a man climbing onto the back of the exhausted animal, the newspaper reported.

Officials described the video as disturbing, and the deer could be heard grunting and bleating as it tried to escape, KPTV reported. After escaping from the rider, the deer jumped into a linked fence several times to leave the area, State Police said.

An investigation conducted by troopers revealed the deer was able to escape the enclosure, but its status is unknown, KATU reported.

The person suspected of filming the abuse was interviewed by State Police, according to The Oregonian. That person may be charged with aiding in a wildlife offense, according to State Police.

© 2019 Cox Media Group