Shock as stag beheaded in north Dublin parkland in 'premeditated' attack

GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING after a stag was beheaded in parklands attached to a popular family tourist attraction in north county Dublin.

A spokesperson said the force was investigating “a reported incident of wildlife crime” in the area in the early hours of this morning.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has also launched an investigation into the incident, which happened at Newbridge House and Gardens in Donaba

A herd of 16 Irish red deer, including the stag, have been living in the North Dublin parklands for over 20 years.

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Foreman of works at Newbridge House and Traditional Farm Ivan Smith said the stag’s head was removed from the grounds and its dismembered body was left behind.

“The farmers head down and normally feed the deer first thing in the morning. The deer would come over but Vinny the farmer noticed there was no sign of the stag. He walked the perimeter of the enclosure and he noticed the dismembered body in the ditch,” he told RTÉ’s Samantha Libreri.

The worker said staff at Newbridge House are shocked at the discovery and believe the stag was shot by someone who cut through the fence to the wildlife enclosure.

Fingal County Council described the attack in its parklands as “premeditated”.

Head of Communications with Fingal Council Council Gerry McDermott said: “We believe this was premeditated and we are appealing to anyone who noticed anything in the area to contact gardaí or the National Parks and Wildlife Service.”

He said security of the parklands is being reviewed.

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