Challenge of shooting whales to be considered

Shooting stranded whales is to be considered by scientists, the Defence Forces and state wildlife officers, it has been revealed.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) wants the option discussed for fear of a repeat of the stranding death of a 50ft (15m) fin whale in the harbour in Baltimore, West Cork.

The army and navy will be asked to look at how it could shoot creatures of a similar size to end their suffering.