Elk Calf Rescued From Poaching Dogs Returned to the Wild in Belarus

Reform.news Editorial Team · 17 October 2026, 17:59

https://reform.news/en/elk-calf-rescued-from-poaching-dogs-returned-to-the-wild-in-belarus/

An elk calf that poachers chased in a car and set dogs on in Rechytsa District has been returned to its natural habitat. The State Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora reported this.

“Our four-legged ‘godchild’ is alive and has been safely returned to its natural habitat. After confirming that the animal had recovered from severe stress, had no serious injuries and was ready to live independently, it was released and confidently ran deep into its true home,” the agency said.

The incident in Rechytsa District was reported on October 15. During a special operation called “Hunting,” inspectors and forestry workers discovered a car chasing an exhausted elk calf across a field while dogs pursued it. Only one person in the car held a hunting license. The fate of the animal’s mother remains unknown. The inspectorate has not ruled out the possibility that she fell victim to poachers.

Two administrative proceedings were initiated against those involved for violating hunting regulations and hunting without the documents required by law. Materials concerning the alleged violation of firearms regulations were forwarded to the district department of internal affairs.

The State Inspectorate thanked members of the public for their concern for the elk calf and urged them to report cases of poaching.