A preliminary investigation has been launched following the unauthorised entry of hunters and the killing of a stag on the property of filmmaker Luc Besson in Orne, France on Friday, according to the prefecture.
The prefecture told AFP, “A preliminary investigation has been initiated by the Argentan prosecutor’s office and entrusted to the OFB and the gendarmerie. This intrusion is unlawful and the animal was indeed killed despite the property owner’s protests. The prefecture does not support or tolerate this practice.”
“This was not an administrative cull but a coordinated hunting effort initiated by the Saint-Evroult hunting society,” the prefecture’s representative continued. “There has been a long-standing overpopulation of deer in this forest, causing 40% of agricultural damage from wildlife in Orne.”
The prefecture added, “This significant imbalance harms biodiversity. Therefore, the president of the wolf hunters’ association of France was commissioned to conduct an audit and make a recommendation in consultation with hunters, farmers, and landowners, including representatives of Mr Luc Besson. Following this report, the hunting society was tasked with this regulation.”
The hunt on Friday, during which hunters entered Luc Besson’s property where his mother was present, took place within this framework. She filed a complaint the same day.
Luc Besson stated to AFP on Friday, “This happened this afternoon at my mother’s house, in front of my 85-year-old mother.”
“The animal was not injured. They entered her property and finished off the stag in front of her with knives. This is murder,” he protested. “I had met with the Orne prefect five days ago to warn that the hunters were too agitated and that this would end badly. I will obviously be filing a complaint.”
