WASHINGTON — A West Virginia man was ordered held without bond Friday after police say he shot a large deer earlier this week in D.C. — an area where it is illegal to hunt.
Vernon Goyne is facing several counts including animal cruelty and unlawful possession of a firearm in D.C. Goyne appeared for a preliminary hearing in D.C. Superior Court Friday.
Goyne shot a 14-point buck in the Palisades neighborhood Tuesday, according to a police report. The deer was injured and had to be euthanized.
“The rules are simple — there is no hunting in D.C.,” said Scott Giacoppo, a chief community animal welfare officer for the Washington Humane Society. “Anytime something like this occurs, it would fall right under animal cruelty.”
Goyne used a handgun, according to the police report.
“It’s unfortunate that someone took matters into their own hands and decided to violate D.C. law,” said Giacoppo.
Goyne is being held without bond until his next court date scheduled for Oct. 12.
