A self-proclaimed “hardcore huntress” who posed beside a wild goat she shot dead in Scotland has been slammed for the “horrific” images.
US television presenter Larysa Switlyk posted a picture of herself smiling behind a dead goat on the island of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland.
“Beautiful wild goat here on the Island of Islay in Scotland,” she wrote in an Instagram post that received more than 3,000 likes.
“Such a fun hunt!! They live on the edge of the cliffs the island and know how to hide well. We hunted hard for a big one for 2 days and finally got on this group.”
She added that the animal was killed with a “perfect 200 yard shot” using a rifle by supplier Gunwerks, and a riflescope.
Switlyk is a “big game specialist” at Detail Company, a tour operator offering “dream” hunting trips around the world.
But her “disgraceful” post drew the ire of several Twitter users.
Jamie Genevieve simply wrote: “Get out of Scotland.”
Mr Eion said: “Went hiking in the Cairngorms last week. Saw a feral goat. Quite majestic really. Not one part of me felt compelled to hunt, shoot, or end its life.
“@policescotland I would like to make a formal complaint against @LSwitlyk.”
The practice is not illegal but Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the government will consider a change in law.
“Totally understandable why the images from Islay of dead animals being held up as trophies is so upsetting and offensive to people,” Sturgeon tweeted.
“@scotgov will review the current situation and consider whether changes to the law are required.”
MSP Michael Russell, who represents Islay, told the BBC: “The pictures are horrific. Obviously deer culling and deer stalking is established on the island and it’s a necessary thing to do considering the lack of control of deer numbers.
“But to see people in camouflage with highly powered sniper rifles rejoicing at the killing of a goat, let alone a ram, is simple unacceptable.”
He added: “This isn’t 21st Century Scotland. This isn’t 21st Century Islay.”
Roseanna Cunningham, Scottish Cabinet secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, said in a statement: “We fully understand why so many people find these images of hunted animal being held up as trophies so upsetting.
“Responsible and appropriate culling of animals is a necessary part of sustainable land management and the ruling of some wild animals, including deer and goats, is not illegal.
“However, we understand the concerns raised by these images and, in light of them, the Environment Secretary will review the situation and consider whether any clarification of or changes to the law might be required.”