The stag was killed overnight after intruder’s broke into an Irish park before leaving the magnificent animal’s headless body behind in a crime that has shook the local community to its core
An “iconic stag” that has become a family attraction has been killed in a park in Ireland by callous intruders who left its headless body behind. The senseless crime took place in Co Dublin after intruders broke into the deer’s home overnight.
The crime has cause outrage after the headless body of the stag, which was part of the deer herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, was found on Thursday morning (November 27), according to Fingal County Council.
A council statement explained that the animal had been killed overnight. The deer was part of a herd that had become a popular family attraction in North County Dublin and councillors and the the wildlife service workers have expressed their dismay at the ‘callous killing’, The Irish Mirror reports.
The Gardai are carrying out an investigation into the murder. The Fingal County Council statement said: “The discovery was made when staff went to feed the herd of Irish Red Deer.
“The stag, who was eight years old, was one of two in the herd.” The Mayor of Fingal was angered by the ‘shocking’ killing after visiting the deer for several years.
Tom O’Leary said: “I have visited this park area with my granddaughters who really enjoyed meeting the stag and deer. A wonderful animal to behold close up.
“It’s truly shocking that someone would carry out this act. I am appealing to anybody with information to contact the gardai or the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is illegal to kill deer without a licence and I hope that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.”
The Foreman of Works at Newbridge House and Traditional Farm Ivan Smith added: “We are absolutely shocked by this incident. He was a lovely stag with a beautiful pair of antlers and was a big favourite with the public who walk through the park.”
The council said the matter is currently being investigated by An Garda Siochana and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Anybody with information is asked to contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or email wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov.ie.
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