Wild Irish goats set to be protected from trophy hunters

A number of companies offer clients the ability to hunt the goats, with one promoting the fact that the animal has “ancient” origins

A spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture said it was “not acceptable” that the goats, which currently roam wild, were subject to “indiscriminate hunting”.

A rare breed of Irish goat is set to be protected after photos appearing to show some of the animals being killed as “trophies” appeared online.

The old Irish goat, an indigenous breed with origins going back an estimated 5,000 years, currently has no legal protections. Characterised by a multicoloured thatch-like coat, long hair, short legs and corrugated horns, there are believed to be less than 300 of them remaining.

A number of hunting companies ...