Stag kills man

[becks]

A man was killed by a stag after it gored him to death, so they shot the stag. What do we think of this? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/37555 72.stm

[andy hughes]

I think it's sad that anyone dies in this way. It underlines the fact that animals are unpredictable, and a stag in rut is a pretty touchy animal, prone to defend territory, and generally have a bit of a down on anyone or anything he thinks might be after his does. having established that a farm animal is dangerous, it appears that its destruction is the only solution, which again is sad, for an animal to die for following its natrual instincts.

[undercovers]

i'm sure that the farmer knew that these stags were dangerous - but obviously needed to enter their enclosure for some reason.  As the stag attacked those that when to investigate the animal had to be shot so they could recover the farmers body.

[FP]

Once again, an excellent answer by Andy.   I feel sad for the farmer and his family.  I feel that shooting the stag was the best thing to do on this occasion,  It would have been done humanely.

[Liam Goody]

I disagree

Why should animals pay with their life just because humans get involved in their life and go into their territory?!

If another human had killed that man then the murder wouldnt die....he'd get sent to prision for a life sentence but after about 10 years he'd be released....free to carry on with his life.

[mully]

exactly - why do people who murder another a person not shot ?? the same for all those paedophiles too who damage young childrens lives get sent to prison for a while then released and rehoused near schools?? 

[el duerino]

because people are not animals no matter how they act. is it so hard to grasp for people? Like it or not we live off animals, we use them to eat and produce food. Anyone who says oh humans should be treated the same is a hypocrite because they do not allocate animals equal rights when it does not suit them - eating them or products derived off or wearing them obtained in horrible conditions. Personally I have no problem with the fact that animals are inferior to human beings. But then humans arent fluffy are they?

[mully]

some people act like animals at times !!

and I am very fluffy !!

[FP]

The stag was obviously dangerous as he attacked others.  What was the alternative in this case?  I am an animal lover, as you probably realise by now!  Unfortunately, when animals become dangerous they have to be destroyed humanely.  It is unfortunate, but necessary.  I would genuinely  like to know if anyone has any ideas of what should have happened to the stag.  We surely couldn't have sent him for corrective training!

[Drewhound]

I don't feel they had any choice, it's easy to criticise when you aren't facing the problem and the danger.

What's with the idea that killing it was cruel but in some bizarre way locking it up for ten years would be ok?

[RogerK]

Lets not forget this was a deer farm - lots of deer are humanely killed there every year! Granted, the stag probably wasn't due for the chop yet but using the logic applied by some here none of them should be shot as they are all 'innocent'. Fact is that are all there for the same reason - production of meat.

[becks]

There have been some interesting answers, whilst i don't think animals and humans are equal, animals are often treated better - the travel condition for example are far better than those on the tube. However that's another argument, but i have to say i feel it was wrong to kill the stag, if they had to get the body as has been suggested they could have shot it with a tranquiliser, i feel it was unnecessary to kill it for what it does naturally. If a lion attacks a lion keeper - would they shoot it? I feel that there are risks with jobs like this, it is a horrible way to die, but killing that stag won't necessarily stop this sort of thing from happening again.

[Dark Angel]

I think shooting the stag was correct, because it may have killed more people. Its not a punishment like the death penalty, I know the animal was only doing what comes naturally. I also think that say if an elephant, for instance killed its mahout, that it should be shot too- so that it will not go on to kill more people.

I am against killing an animal for sport. Killing animals for food has been there for centuries and I don't dispute it, but I think more painless and quick ways should be devised.

[Ember]

Every year many stags and does are culled, is that a nicer word than killed, same thing though isn't it?   Myself I can't look into a lovely cow's eyes without feeling pity and guilt.    It gets me the way they come to have a look at you when you stop by a field they are so curious and trusting.      I would love to be a veggie but sadly I am not, I have tried but I do like my meat. Sorry I am just a stupid softie.

[FP]

Nothing wrong with being a stupid softie, Ember.  Better than being hard and uncaring.  I know what you mean about cows.  They have such lovely trusting eyes.  I always go and have a conversation with them when I pass a field with cows in! 

[Dark Angel]

I too have sympathy for cattle in particular. In certain parts of the world cattle are used for so many things - to plough paddy fields, draw carts, and we drink cows milk, eat cheese and butter. I like many others have stopped eating beef.

[el duerino]

******* anthropomorphism. another escape from reality

[FP]

Yes el duerino, but it isn't harming anybody, is it? 

[el duerino]

its symptomatic of a general condition which I believe is harmful to people. the more you pander to people's stupid ideas the more stupid ides they get.

 

note for people - do not project human characteristics onto animals, because you will merely be taking yourself another step into a delightful little dream world. I am beyond belief at the stupidity and naeivity of most people really.

[FP]

Sometimes we need a stupid little dreamworld to forget the realities of the real world.  (We don't really forget them!!)  Sometimes, this is essential in order to cope with life. 

 

El duerino - I admire your forthrightness and your ideologies.  Sometimes I wish you would lighten up!

[el duerino]

I do have a light side fakeplastic - it just gets buried under my righteous anger ;)

 

sigh, so cynical at such a young age eh?