Outrage after deer shot in Croghan area

Five deer were killed by trespassers on lands at Cavetown Lake near Croghan during Thursday night, it has emerged.

According to the landowner individuals killed three of the deer outright with the two remaining animals having to be put down after the incident was discovered.

Landowner Paddy Regan told the Roscommon Herald that he saw lights in the field and then he heard shots.

On investigation he found the dead animals and he and his wife were forced to put down two that were badly injured.

Mr Regan said there were a number of cattle in the field at the time.

He added that shooting of deer was not allowed at night.

He also said that most people would not leave the animals in the field in that manner.

He added there are two fawns remaining and feels that they will not be able to survive.

There is a large number of deer in the area but shooting season does not start until September for males and November for females.

The matter has been reported to the Gardai and also to National Parks and Wildlife Service.