A beloved 'family favourite' stag has been brutally killed in an Irish park by callous intruders who left only its decapitated corpse.
The shocking incident occurred in Co Dublin after trespassers broke into the deer enclosure during the night.
The barbaric act has sparked fury after the headless remains of the stag, which belonged to the deer herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, were discovered on Thursday morning (November 27), according to Fingal County Council.
A council statement confirmed that the creature had been slaughtered overnight. The deer was part of a herd that had become a beloved family attraction in North County Dublin and councillors alongside wildlife service workers have voiced their horror at the 'callous killing.'
The Gardai are conducting an investigation into the killing. The Fingal County Council statement said: "The discovery was made when staff went to feed the herd of Irish Red Deer.
"The stag, who was eight years old, was one of two in the herd."
The Mayor of Fingal expressed outrage at the 'shocking' killing after visiting the deer on numerous occasions.
Tom O'Leary said: "I have visited this park area with my granddaughters who really enjoyed meeting the stag and deer. A wonderful animal to behold close up.
"It's truly shocking that someone would carry out this act. I am appealing to anybody with information to contact the gardai or the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is illegal to kill deer without a licence and I hope that the perpetrators can be brought to justice."
Ivan Smith, Foreman of Works at Newbridge House and Traditional Farm, said: "We are absolutely shocked by this incident. He was a lovely stag with a beautiful pair of antlers and was a big favourite with the public who walk through the park."
The council confirmed the incident is currently under investigation by An Garda Siochana and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or email wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov.ie.
