Greens are not the 'callous' ones
I couldn't agree more with Mr Condren that a vulnerable animal, normally resident on a farm with other deer, being abandoned in the countryside is cruel. But Mr Condren quite wrongly lays the blame on Minister John Gormley's restricted licence for the Ward Union deer hunt, whereby the hounds may not be set upon the stag, which may be released into the countryside to create a scent to be followed in the manner of a drag hunt.
The Ward Union, not being allowed to do their usual thing and chase the deer around the countryside for so-called "sport" and "kicks" have, thankfully, given up on their abusive activity because it's just no fun any more.
Mr Condren might be very interested to know that, long before the restricted licence, deer being left out after hunts was quite common.
For example, according to documents obtained by this organisation under the Freedom of Information Act, it was revealed that out of 38 deer hunted during 2006-07, 15 deer were still at large in July 2007.
Furthermore, it was reported that a deer had drowned in a quarry during the same season.
So, the gentleman is pointing the finger of blame in the wrong direction. It is, in fact, the Ward Union hunt that has for far too long been permitted to behave in an "ignorant and callous" manner towards deer.
Mr Gormley and the Greens are to be wholly commended for their compassionate stance on animal welfare issues.
AIDEEN YOURELL
IRISH COUNCIL AGAINST BLOOD SPORTS, MULLINGAR, CO WESTMEATH
