An investigation is under way after the beheaded body of an eight-year-old Irish red deer stag was discovered inside the grounds of Newbridge House in Donabate, in what Fingal County Council has described as the “callous killing of [an] iconic stag”.
Staff made the grim discovery when they arrived to feed the herd on Wednesday morning, realising the animal’s head had been removed and taken from the scene, almost certainly as a trophy. The herd of 16 Irish red deer, kept in a fenced section of the estate for more than 20 years, has never experienced anything like this before. The stag was one of just two in the group.
The incident has prompted widespread anger locally. Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Tom O’Leary, condemned the killing, saying it is “truly shocking that someone would carry out this act”. He said he had visited the park with his granddaughters, “who really enjoyed meeting the stag and deer”, calling the animal “a wonderful animal to behold close up”. He urged anyone with information to contact gardaí or the National Parks and Wildlife Service, adding: “It is illegal to kill deer without a licence and I hope that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.”
Workers at Newbridge House say they are devastated. Ivan Smith, Foreman of Works at the estate and traditional farm, said staff are “absolutely shocked” by what has happened. “He was a lovely stag with a beautiful pair of antlers and was a big favourite with the public who walk through the park,” he said.
Gardaí confirmed they are investigating a suspected wildlife crime believed to have taken place in the early hours of Wednesday. The NPWS is also carrying out inquiries, and both agencies are appealing for information from the public.
