November 06, 2004
Seal Clubbing
Just what is wrong with some Kerry people ? They are blessed with a beautiful county, they won the All-Ireland, and yet there seems to be a hard-core minority with very little respect for their environment. This year, they stand accused of destroying ancient (and listed monuments), digging up beaches and threatening to go on a mass killing spree of a protected species (hen harriers) when the birds' welfare was cited as a reason for refusing permission to build a wind farm. During the week, it was another protected species that got a Kerry welcome. Dozens of grey seals (also a protected species) were found dead on one of the Blasket islands. An it was the manner of the killing as much as the fact itself that caused much revulsion - some of the seals had been slashed open, as well as bludgeoned or shot. Of course the culprits are known - it would have taken more than a few individuals to kill so many seals. And of course, no one will be prosecuted because no one will turn the culprits in. For a county that relies so much on tourism (and of the beauty of its environment) it is all very depressing.
Posted by Monasette at November 6, 2004 10:48 PM