Bloodbath warning over use of shotguns

Farmers have been advised not to rush into taking out shotguns to tackle intruders, as armed confrontation runs the risk of a “bloodbath”.

The warning came from the Muintir na Tíre community alert development officer for the southern region, who suggested that other measures are needed to combat the increasing level of rural crime.

Diarmuid Cronin, who had been a farmer, said he was concerned gangs would arm themselves in response to landowners getting more aggressive in defence of their property, and this could have serious implications such as the ratcheting up of violence.