Deer poaching a 'universal problem'

Deer poaching across Ireland has reached epidemic proportions, authorities have claimed.

Details of the developing black market in deer meat were disclosed after remains of two of the animals were discovered hidden in a shed near Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh, with police adding that more and more are being culled in the run-up to Christmas.

Police chief inspector Graham Dodds said: "While hundreds of deer are lawfully and professionally culled by trained deer stalkers each year, many more are cruelly killed by poachers looking to sell the meat on the black market."

He continued: "Poachers target deer indiscriminately and have no respect for females with dependant or suckling young."

Legally shot deer sells for around £1 a pound of meat. Each animal can be worth £50 or more.

According to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland poaching has been on the increase in recent years.

Chairman Pat Scully said: "Poaching is a universal problem. With the unemployment people have time on their hands and may see it as a way of generating a few extra bob."

A spokesman for the Countryside Alliance said it was a serious problem, reaching epidemic proportions in parts of Ireland.

He said animals could suffer horrific injuries or death through illegal snaring, trapping or coursing deer with dogs.