Waterford's wild goat population needs to be protected from 'trophy hunters'.
That's according to local Cllr Sinn Féin John Hearne, who says he's concerned that British Hunting groups may target the Passage East herd.
At this month's Plenary meeting, he stated that the Department of the Environment are concerned about alleged incidents of wild goats and sheep being shot.
Sinn Féin Cllr John Hearne asked the local authority if they could do anything to protect the animals, at the latest Plenary Meeting of Waterford City and County Council.
"The Department of the Environment has stated that they don't think it's acceptable that British Hunting Groups are coming over and shooting goats and they are trying to bring in a law at the moment.
"With our own iconic herd over in Passage, I was wondering if the council can put anything in place to protect them because they don't even kill the goats for the pot, they just hunt to kill the animal for the horns and take them away," Cllr Hearne said.
Grey Area over goats
Responding to John Hearne's question, Director of Services with responsibility for Environment at Waterford Council Fergus Galvin said that wild animals do not fall under their remit, but instead the Department of Agriculture.
But in a statement issued to WLR News, the Department of Agriculture said: "We are not aware of any such issues in relation to the goats in Waterford.
"This Department [Agriculture] does not have responsibly for the regulation of hunting wild animals”.
While The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) who are run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, told WLR News despite the alleged shooting incidents across the country, no such licences are issued for the shooting of goats.
"The Wildlife Licensing Unit within the NPWS issue licences in relation to hunting wild animals that have protected status under the Wildlife Acts. Goats do not fall into this category.
"The NPWS does not issue gun licenses for hunting. Firearms licensing falls under the remit of the Gardai," the NPWS said.
In December 2021, the Irish Famers Journal reported that similarly 'guided sheep shooting tours' were being offered in County Wicklow.
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Photo Credit: Jack Savage, Circa 2009
