The Taunton dragon statue located in the High Street is currently missing multiple limbs including an arm, ear, its tongue and some claws.
The 13ft (4m) weathered sculpture, which was commissioned by the former Somerset West and Taunton (SWT) Council at a total cost of £15,000, was created by local chainsaw artist Matthew Crabb and unveiled in 2023.
At the time of the unveiling, SWT’s executive member for culture, Cllr Caroline Ellis, said that the sculpture was “made of incredibly durable cedar” and would “delight and inspire us for decades to come.”
The inspiration for the sculpture derived from Somerset’s association with the dragon, which features on the county flag as a traditional emblem of the county.
Photos of the Taunton dragon. (Image: Molly Kirk)
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According to the BBC, Somerset Council believe the sculpture was recently vandalised.
When approached by the County Gazette for comment, Somerset Council said they are reviewing the best course of action regarding repairs and how to prevent this occurring again in future.
A Somerset Council spokesperson said: “Somerset Council is currently reviewing the best course of action with regard to repairs and protecting it from further damage in the future.
“Repairs will be carried out when we have determined how we can ensure the continued protection of the sculpture which has become a much-loved part of Taunton’s town centre.”