Bin bags containing the mutilated remains of three deer were dumped near a car park by poachers.

The deer - two pregnant females and a fawn - were found on Golf Road in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, on May 7.

One of the deer had been shot in the head, while another had been shot and decapitated.

The headless deer's uterus had also been cut open, exposing her dead young.

Scottish SPCA inspector Fiona McKenzie said: "We suspect the deer were killed in a poaching related incident.

"Although deer can be killed lawfully, it is closed season which is given to female deer to protect their welfare and that of their young.

"The closed season takes place from April 1 to October 31.

"We are urging members of the public with information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.

"Calls are treated in the strictest confidence and can be left anonymously."