Walker found sheepdog hanging from a tree
AN animal rights advocate has described the discovery of a sheep dog hanged in West Sligo as ‘one of the worst cases of animal cruelty’.
Dorothy Kilgannon, former founder of Rescue Dogs Sligo told The Sligo Champion that enquiries into the grim discovery continue.
The Collie was found on February 1st hanging from a tree in a wooded area in West Sligo. The sheepdog was found by a person walking in the area and was reported to the county vet, along with the local dog warden services.
Unfortunately the dog had been there for some time, possibly a number of months.
“It has shocked the county. It’s one of the worst cases of animal cruelty.
“There’s a special kind of evil that does something like this,” said Ms Kilgannon..
The animal lover said it was clear that there had been more than one person involved, and there had been an ‘elaborate set up’.
“I believe it’s called a ‘dance’. When they tie them by their feet and they are just off the ground and they can’t get to the ground. There was thought put into this by some sick individual or individuals.
“I’m horrified that somebody could carry out an offence like this on an animal. It’s sad that any community would be living with a person in their midst who’s capable of this.”
Ms Kilgannon said she is ‘ haunted’ by the scene and wished she had not seen it and said it was ‘very traumatic for all those who had to see the scene.
The dog was named ‘Dip’ following its discovery and was buried.
The animal rights advocate stressed the importance of people being vigilant in relation to animal welfare following this incident and others, and said that previously, a dog was saved after it was rescued from hanging on a gate.
Ms Kilgannon is appealing to anyone who may have any information in relation to the incident.
“Somebody has to know who did it. I wouldn’t think it was a one person job.
“I would appeal to someone to make contact with gardaí, the county vet, the dog warden or myself,” she concluded.