The Puck Fair is receiving backlash and criticism for what some are calling an “archaic” and “barbaric” tradition.
The fair involves a goat being captured from its habitat and put into a cage high above the cheering crowds for two days. in Killorglin.
The 400-year-old tradition brings in roughly €7 million in revenue from tourism year on year, according to the Kingdom of Kerry website.
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According to the Puck Fair 2022 website, the goat is treated like a king for the duration of the fair but the National Animal Rights Association (NARA) has a different view.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, a spokesperson for NARA said: “A wild animal, suspended in the air in a cage, is just unacceptable in this day and age. It’s barbaric, archaic, incredibly cruel and an absolute embarrassment to the country. It’s bad enough that this happens during normal weather but in this blistering heat, it’s an act of torture - physically and mentally,” they said.
Organisers of the Puck Fair have recently announced that the goat was taken down from the top of the stand this morning “due to unprecedented spells of hot, sunny weather.”
The goat is currently in the shade and has a constant supply of cold water and food, according to the statement from the organisers.
The goat is also receiving hourly check-ups by a vet.
“It needs to be stopped at once, and permanently banned,” the spokesperson for NARA said.
According to the Puck Fair 2022 official website, the welfare of the goat is of “utmost importance” to all involved in the event.
“The goat chosen each year is brought down from his mountain farm and paddocked in a farmyard three weeks before the Fair to ensure he becomes familiar with his handlers and acclimatised to people. By the start of the fair, he is well used to interacting with people at close quarters.
“At the initial stage, the goat is examined and inspected thoroughly by a vet who determines that the goat is in good health. The vet, in turn, issues a certificate of health to the effect,” the website says.
“The goat is not, as has been claimed, hoisted and left alone for three days on the stand. King Puck is placed on his platform at 6pm on August 10 and removed from the stand at 6pm on August 12 – 48 hours later.
During that time he is checked on regularly by his handlers to ensure he has adequate space, food and water and he is examined daily by a certified vet.”
This year’s fair has gained a lot of attention and backlash from members of the public with some describing it as “barbaric.”
In a statement to the Irish Mirror, a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said: “The Department is aware of recent public discussion in relation to Puck Fair and the possible impact of a predicted heatwave on the welfare of the goat.
“In relation to the hot weather conditions, Minister McConalogue issued a statement in July urging farmers to take steps to protect their livestock during hot weather.
“These measures apply to the keepers of all farm animals and include: ensuring a plentiful supply of drinking water; ensuring access to suitable shade or shelter; minimising handling and transport during the hot period and monitoring the animals for health issues and heat stress.
“The Department will be keeping the matter under review. Protecting animal welfare is a priority for the Department.
“The regulations and requirements for animal welfare are set out in the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act. The Department operates an animal welfare complaints hotline (01 607 2379); complaints are followed up by Department veterinary officers and/or other authorised officers.”
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