Poachers shot at close range deer that were part of a children's Santa experience.

The three animals were part of the Santa's Journey experience at Djouce Golf Club in Roundwood Co Wicklow, which has been running since late November.

The Wicklow People reports that staff arrived at the attraction last Saturday morning and found that the two Sika deer - one male and one female - weren't in their pen, which was covered in blood.

A bullet was also discovered lodged in a nearby tree.

It is understood that somebody illegally entered the golf club after it closed on Friday night and shot the deer from close-range.

A vehicle was seen in the vicinity of the property on Friday night and the details have been passed to gardai.

A garda spokesperson said: "We are taking this incident very seriously. It involves poaching, trespassing and the discharge of weapons in a public place."

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Wicklow Garda Station on 0404 67107.

Santa's Journey will continue at Djouce Golf Club tomorrow.

Online Editors