Sir, - The Government seems to be on the antlers of a dilemma about stag-hunting. It cannot decide whether stags hunted for sport are domestic or wild creatures.
The hunters make the case that stags raised in captivity become domesticated. They want to be exempted from the licensing conditions enshrined in the Wildlife Act (1976) on the grounds that the animals they hunt are not wild at all. But the hunting of domestic animals or livestock is prohibited by the Protection of Animals Act (1911).
As an opponent of stag-hunting, I decided to resolve this issue by ascertaining which Government Department had responsibility for the animal's welfare. so I wrote to Ministers Joe Walsh and Sile de Valera, stating my concerns.
The replies left me gobsmacked. They made me feel like a guest at the Mad Hatter's tea party. Ms de Valera's secretary informed me that the issue I had raised related to the Protection of Animals Act. Consequently, my letter had been passed on to Mr Walsh for his attention. Mr Walsh regretted that stag-hunting was not part of his brief. It was a wildlife issue and he was therefore obliged to pass my letter on to Ms de Valera's Department.
One hears of "buck-passing", but this is ridiculous! The stag occupies pride of place on our pound coin. Perhaps Mr Walsh and Ms De Valera could decide his status by tossing his image in the air? Heads or tails - domestic or wild? Either way, the Government should stop giving him the run-around. - Yours, etc.,
John Fitzgerald
Lower Coyne Street, Callan, Co Kilkenny.