Probe after deer found beheaded

The discovery of several decapitated male stags in one of Ireland’s biggest national parks has prompted a garda investigation, it emerged today.

Protected red deer in Killarney National Park, Co Kerry are being shot so their heads and antlers can be sold as trophies, it is believed.

A number of wild stag carcasses have been found headless in the last fortnight.

A spokesman from the Department of Environment and Heritage said he was “shocked and dismayed” that deer were being harmed.

“We cannot give too many details as it is under police investigation but up to 10 red deer carcasses have been found in and around the park,” he said.

“The wildlife service has stepped up security at the park, adding extra patrols overnight, and we are appealing to the public to report anything suspicious they see in the area.”

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the news was “absolutely horrendous.”

Spokesman Tony Bell said such acts of cruelty against deer were unusual.

“At this time of year the red deer and Japanese sika deer are in their prime. Their antlers grow at the end of the season so at the moment they’d be massive,” he said.

“I’d be very surprised if they weren’t being shot to be sold.

“A stag’s head of that quality, when mounted and embalmed properly would go for around £2,100 (3,000 euro) so the guys shooting them would make a tidy profit.

“I am glad the wildlife service is on to them and we shall certainly be looking into sending our own inspectorate to investigate,” he added.

Gardai in Killarney said they had received two reports concerning the deer and had launched an investigation.

It is open season on shooting deer between September and February and anyone with a hunting license is permitted to do so.

But red deer are a protected species and it is illegal to shoot them anywhere in Co Kerry.

The population of red deer has soared to around 1,000 after conservation work began 30 years ago when the herd was in serious decline.

In 1932 Killarney National Park became Ireland’s first National Park.