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.
Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Troopers arrest subject for Wildlife Harassment and Animal Abuse II after investigation into video that displayed what appeared to be a young adult male climbing onto, and riding on the back of a live mule deer buck.https://t.co/VHclzsujbi pic.twitter.com/Xfhi37p3cd
— OSP Fish & Wildlife (@OSP_Fish) December 11, 2019
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.
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