FALLEN ANIMALS DUMPED BY CANON SHEEHAN LOOP
A number of dead cattle have been discovered by the Canon Sheehan Loop in Glenanair Forest between Ardpatrick and Kildorrery.
The gruesome discovery was made by a local couple, where two animals were located on the walking loop past the Mass Rock. The couple were alerted to the discovery by an odour in the area.
Returning the following day, one of the party discovered another two dead animals in the ditch on the Ardpatrick Road. Photos sent to The Avondhu show at least one of the animals in an advanced state of decay.
The caller deplored the act, pointing out the availability of a number of Animal Collectors local to the area, as well as the misleading and negative portrayal of farmers that act like this, portray.
The Department of Agriculture states that any farmer must contact an Animal Collector as soon as possible after the discovery of the death of an animal, and carcasses awaiting collection must be kept separate from other animals in an enclosed building, or in an area away from livestock and under a suitable cover such as a tarpaulin.
The maximum collection fee is €54.03, and that is for a bovine over 48 months. Fees reduce on a scale below that figure, depending on the age of the animal to a minimum charge of €30 for sheep and bovines under three months.
A list of licensed animal collectors is available from the department, and there are at least three operators in The Avondhu area.
When contacted by The Avondhu, a spokesperson for Coillte acknowledged that instances of the illegal dumping of animal carcasses is an issue for the agency. They encourage the public to contact the Gardaí if they witness illegal dumping taking place, and report that they take specific measures to deter illegal dumping, installing signs, barriers and CCTV at known illegal dumping hotspots.
“Coillte is responsible for managing 440,000 hectares of primarily forested land, making it Ireland’s largest forest manager and largest provider of outdoor recreation. Many of our forests are located in remote areas in rural Ireland and unfortunately, we have seen instances of animal carcasses being illegally dumped on Coillte lands.”
The spokesman continued to point to the serious health issues caused by the indiscriminate disposal of animal remains.
“Illegal dumping, including the disposal of animal carcasses, is a serious health and safety issue. It can cause serious problems for human health, habitats, species, waters and soils. It can pollute rivers and drinking water sources, damage biodiversity, and is a threat to both the people who live in an area and recreational users. It also poses risks to Coillte staff who have to remove this illegally dumped material.”
Anyone with information on the dumping incidents should contact their local Garda station.