Madam, - While leafing through the current edition of an Irish gun magazine, I was horrified to see a trio of trophy hunters, two armed with lethal weapons, and one holding up a stricken male goat by the horns. The majestic creature had been gunned down for "sport".
Feral goats in Galway had provided the day's entertainment for these shooters and very easy targets they proved to be - the herd were found lying in the sunshine. Five of the animals, including a lame one, were promptly shot down. It took more than one shot to kill them - a description is given of one goat surviving "a large wound in his forehead" and trying to rise from the ground to escape. One can only imagine the terror and suffering endured.
The article on the day's carnage made for thoroughly sickening reading, with the author going into clinical and forensic detail about the merits and drawbacks of various guns and bullets and "the ability of the common Irish goat to absorb punishment".
Sadly, there in no protection in law for these beautiful creatures. Though effectively wild, they are given no protection under the Wildlife Act. No licence is required to shoot them; hence the indiscrimate slaughter by shooting gangs. Despite a reputation for being an occasional nuisance to farmers, goats do play a positive ecological role. For instance, in the Burren, they eat plants and grasses which smother rare plants, thereby helping to maintain the natural balance of this world famous area.
If their numbers need managing, surely this should be done humanely. Both the Departments of Agriculture and Environment must acknowledge their responsibility. Feral goats are part of our heritage and deserve protection under law. - Yours, etc.,
AIDEEN YOURELL, Irish Council Against Blood Sports, PO Box 88, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. www.banbloodsports.com