Sir, – While the recent successful Garda operation against suspected deer poachers is to be welcomed, there is another practice that involves the infliction of even greater suffering and distress on these timid creatures. I refer to carted stag hunting. This was banned in 2010 but is still being carried on illegally in some parts of Ireland, principally south Meath and north Co Dublin.
A deer when shot is at least out of its misery, provided the shooter is a skilled marksman. But a stag hunted with hounds has to endure a long obstacle-strewn cross-country chase. In the course of this terrifying ordeal, the animal sustains painful injuries as it passes through brambles or becomes entangled in barbed wire. The hunt ends only the stag drops from exhaustion, bleeding from head to foot from cuts, its tongue hanging out and steam rising from its quivering pain-wracked body.
It is truly a heartrending sight: to see this animal that once occupied pride of place on our pound coin brought so low. And for what? The hunt serves no pest control or conservationist purpose, the sole aim being to make animals suffer for “sport”.
Carted stag hunting is a serious criminal offence punishable by heavy fines. Anyone who witnesses the practice, or has any knowledge of upcoming hunts, should immediately contact the gardaí or National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The noble stag is part of our precious wildlife heritage. It does not deserve to be treated like this. – Yours, etc,
JOHN FITZGERALD,
(Campaign for the Abolition
of Cruel Sports)
Lower Coyne Street,
Callan,
Co Kilkenny.