'It's a huge shock and a huge loss' - Body of beheaded stag found by staff in Dublin parklands after attack

"It had been killed overnight by intruders who had broken into the park. The matter is currently being investigated by An Garda Síochána and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Fingal County Council is appealing to anybody with information about this shocking incident to contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or email [e-mail]," a spokesperson said."

""We're shocked. We've had this herd of deer for over 20 years, and nothing like this has ever happened. He was a nice stag, a big prize-looking animal and they all had a great relationship. The farmers would be close to the animals and it's not what you expect to see when you come into work. It was a huge shock. It's a huge loss," Mr Smith added."

""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," foreman of works at the site, Ivan Smith, told RTÉ News."

A headless stag from the Irish Red Deer herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, was discovered by staff when they went to feed the animals. The body was dismembered, cut in half, and the head was missing, with the enclosure wire found cut and evidence the carcass had been dragged through the fence. Investigations are underway by An Garda Síochána and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Fingal County Council appealed for information and provided contact details. Staff described deep shock; the herd has been kept for over 20 years and the loss was described as huge.

Read at Irish Independent