Hunter’s bullet kills woman in her garden

The 47-year-old killed the woman, 69, during a deer hunt in Taussac, Aveyron. He has been released from police custody under court supervision.

The tragedy happened on a Saturday afternoon when the hunter fired into a thick hedge that had attracted the interest of two hunting dogs – but the bullet passed through and hit the woman.

If convicted, the man could face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to €45,000.

Every year 21 people on average are killed in hunting accidents.

Rules on hunting may vary around the country, however in the Aveyron they include a ban on shooting towards dwellings if within 150m of them.

Aveyron hunt federation sought in a statement to remind people of the “necessity of being constantly aware of safety”.

Wild animal charity Aspas states that rifles typically used for small game can be dangerous to people at up to 1.5km away and ones often used for large game can be dangerous at up to 3km.