Police should be called for all car accidents, including those involving deer

GILFORD — If a motorist is involved in any kind of crash, they should call the police department, including when an animal is involved.

On Friday around 7 p.m., police responded to a report of a car accident on Weirs Road, north of Dockham Shore. A driver struck a deer.

According to a media release the department posted on its Facebook page, police received an emergency call involving two children while officers were responding to the car accident involving an injured deer on Weirs Road. Because of the seriousness of the other call, police left Weirs Road to respond. They left the deer at the side of the road after it was “dispatched,” meaning shot to death. 

Officers were not immediately aware the deer hadn't died from the gunshot when they left. Deputy Chief Dustin Parent confirmed Monday the deer did eventually die. 

“The Gilford Police Department wants to assure the citizens of this town that we would never intentionally leave an injured deer or any animal to suffer on the side of the road,” the release reads, in part. “We can appreciate everyone’s concern and the willingness of a concerned citizen to assist; however, it is [against the] law for anyone outside of law enforcement to dispatch a deer after dark.”

Deer strikes are not uncommon in Gilford or throughout much of New Hampshire. If a driver strikes a deer, or is otherwise involved in a motor vehicle accident of any kind, they should alert police immediately. 

If an individual comes across an injured deer in the wild, it’s best to alert officers of New Hampshire Fish and Game, who are able to take care of it properly.