Stag ‘running loose’ in Newry shot dead by police

Officers required to shoot animal as it ‘posed a risk to the public’, says PSNI

A stag reportedly running loose in Newry on Thursday has been shot dead. Photograph: File/Getty Images
A stag reportedly running loose in Newry on Thursday has been shot dead. Photograph: File/Getty Images

Police in Northern Ireland have shot dead a stag that was "running loose" in Newry on Thursday.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) issued a warning to the public to avoid the animal, which was in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of the city.

PSNI officers then liaised with a vet and deer stalkers before the decision was made to allow trained firearms officers to shoot the animal on Thursday afternoon.

A police statement said: “Several attempts were made to safely and humanely manage the animal.

READ MORE

“Regrettably officers were required to shoot the stag as it had become very agitated and posed a risk to the public.”

The Police Ombudsman has been informed of the incident, as per normal procedure when a firearm has been used.