‘Callous’ beheading of stag prompts police investigation

A council in the Republic of Ireland is seeking information following the “callous” beheading of a stag.

Fingal County Council has issued an appeal for information after the headless body of the stag, that was part of a herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate in Dublin, was found by staff on Thursday.

The stag’s head was removed from the grounds and staff say they have no doubt it was taken as a trophy, Irish broadcaster RTÉ is reporting.

Gardaí (Irish police) confirmed they are investigating a reported incident of wildlife crime.

“It had been killed overnight [on Wednesday] by intruders who had broken into the park. The discovery was made when staff went to feed the herd of Irish Red Deer,” Fingal County Council said in a statement.

The stag, who was eight years old, was one of two in the herd.

The Mayor of Fingal, councillor Tom O’Leary, condemned the killing.

He 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,” he said.

“I am appealing to anybody with information to contact the gardaí 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.”

Ivan Smith, foreman of Works at Newbridge House and Traditional Farm, said: “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 killing of the stag is also under investigation by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.