The high temperatures this week has led to increased concern for the well-being of King Puck, the mountain goat, who forms the centrepiece of the ancient Puck Fair gathering in Killorglin. A new goat is crowned King Puck every year and is placed on a 50 feet high platform. Organisers say the animal is always treated with great care, is given plenty of food and water, and subjected to regular checks by a vet. Critics say it’s cruel and that an effigy of the animal could be placed on the platform. They say the heat has exacerbated their concerns. Jerry speaks to Harry McDaid of the Kerry SPCA, the animal welfare organisation and to Deputy Danny Healy-Rae. Yesterday, King Puck was taken down from the platform. After the show, the organisers of Puck Fair confirmed that the goat was put back on the platform last evening but that today he is back in the shade with plenty of cold water and food, and that his hourly veterinary checks continue.
