In March 2022 the now redundant League Against Cruel Sports Investigation Team carried out covert surveillance on the kennels of the infamous deer hunters the County Down Staghounds in Northern Ireland.
Over two days of filming they obtained footage of a large herd of Red Deer held captive at the rear of the kennels, including stags, hinds and calves.
The deer were in a poor condition, with multiple parasite burden, lack of access to decent grazing and water, untreated injuries plus a very sad looking stag with three legs.
This was reported immediately to the Northern Ireland authorities and resulted in a multi agency raid on the kennels. It was confirmed that the deer were in a very poor state and one was euthanised on the spot. They also found a blind deer.
In the entrance to the kennels there was a ‘cattle crush’ with lots of antlers around. These are used to confine the deer whilst they cut their antlers off before loading into a trailer.
What the hell is going on here? They surely can’t say they were farming them for venison due to their poor condition.
We are unaware of any prosecutions following the footage being passed to the authorities, but we felt that we must share this shocking story that we were sent anonymously. It’s the least these unfortunate deer deserve.
Footage credit: League Against Cruel Sports
