King Puck’s reign came to a premature end this Thursday when the wild mountain goat was taken down from its lofty pedestal overlooking Killorglin town following animal welfare concerns.
It followed the issuing of a statement by the Department of Agriculture saying it is aware of a public discussion in relation to Puck Fair and the possible impact of the heatwave on the welfare of the goat.
The goat was due to remain in his 50-foot pen on the Puck stand for three days and three nights but a major debate on the issue was sparked by a caller to RTÉ Radio 1 programme Liveline.
Concerns were expressed for the safety of the goat given the status yellow high temperature warning which has reached 26 degrees this Thursday.
More than 20,000 people have signed an online petition to stop the Puck Fair goat tradition.
Gardaí have now confirmed that King Puck was taken down from its cage this morning.
On Wednesday the four-year-old wild goat was crowned by 12-year-old Queen of Puck Aleesha Williams, before being hoisted into place on its stand where it was due to remain until Friday which is the traditional scattering day.
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