Claim lives being put at risk by deer poachers

Lives are being put at risk by deer poachers using high-powered rifles in rural areas at night, it was claimed yesterday.

Deer poaching has reached “unprecedented levels” nationally, according to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland with gardaí currently investigating a number of frightening incidents.

The decaying carcasses of headless deer have been found in parts of Kerry and Cork as the authorities fear an increase in trophy-hunting activities.