Dumped animal carcasses in rivers 'shameful' say litter pickers
Warning: this article contains distressing images
Dumped dead animals are a "shameful, regular sight" in rural rivers and watercourses in parts of Northern Ireland.
Paddy Little, a litter picking officer for a waters sports club, said he had lost count of the number of carcasses he has seen in the Blackwater River that flows between counties Tyrone and Armagh.
He said members had pulled a bag from the water, only to find it stuffed with a sheep carcass. The agriculture minister has called for an end to the "veil of secrecy" surrounding animal dumping incidents.
Figures show there were almost 150 animal dumping incidents since 2020, but only 15 people have been convicted of wrongful disposal of animals offences in the last five years.
"A lot of the times we're out litter picking we would see some sort of dead animal in the water," Little from Blackwater Paddle Sports added.
"It's a biohazard and it's hugely unpleasant for the community that uses this river."
The tags which identify farm animals' owners are often removed when a carcass has been illegally dumped.
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has called for anybody with information on the illegal dumping of farm animals to contact authorities immediately.
"I'm aware the vast majority of farmers dispose of fallen livestock responsibly and many share my disgust, but this is wrong and we need to see people apprehended for it", he said.
Meanwhile the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) called on anyone illegally dumping farm animals to "stop it immediately" and follow proper procedures.
There are number of companies throughout Northern Ireland that will dispose of and process dead animals.
The carcass of one adult cow can cost on average between £80 to £100, this does not include any transportation charges.
UFU Deputy President Clement Lynch said: "Yes times are tight financially for farmers and dealing with dead livestock is an added cost, but that is no excuse for illegal dumping.
"It is probably a very small number carrying this out, but this has a big impact on the vast majority of farmers who take pride in looking after their stock responsibly."
'Absolutely reprehensible'
BBC News NI has reported on a series of dumping incidents involving animal carcasses in the Mid Ulster area in recent months.
Even more cases have emerged in recent weeks, including the dumping of farm animals in a number of water courses.
The Rivers Agency has confirmed that it has been made aware of animal carcasses in rivers outside Ballygawley and near Washingbay in County Tyrone.
In May, Mid Ulster SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn reported a dead farm animal carcass floating in the water near the Ferry Bridge at Washingbay.
He flagged the issue with the River's Agency, who said it was not their responsibility to remove it if it was not causing a blockage in the waterway.
Quinn said: "The Ferry Bridge and surrounding area is very busy and well used by walkers, families, and anglers, it's not something anyone should have to come across."
Last month, a group of children came across lamb carcasses while playing close to a community centre in the Brantry just outside Eglish.
Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew said: "These children had just finished making their [First] Holy Communion and then to be come across that sight, it's absolutely reprehensible.
"My message to anyone doing this type of dumping is to stop and stop it now, it's not acceptable and those who are responsible for regulating it and enforcing these issues need to step in and protect communities."
How should animals be disposed of?
In Northern Ireland, responsibility for the recovery and disposal of fallen livestock lies with the animal owner if that can be established or, if not, then the owner of the land on which the carcass is located.
On public land or highways, responsibility often falls to local government agencies.
In a statement Mid Ulster Council said: "Decomposing remains can spread disease, attract vermin, and contaminate land and water, and this kind of behaviour is a clear breach of environmental law."
A spokesperson for the council added that while it was responsible for incidents in relation to non-farm animals, such as cats and dogs, the Department of Agriculture had responsibility for investigating incidents concerning farm animals.
In an interview with BBC News NI the agriculture minister said: "This dumping behaviour has consequences for the environment and public health, it is wrong and we need to see people brought to court.
"Those caught will face fines and possibly even imprisonment, so I would urge anyone who has any information on this type of behaviour to please contact authorities and report it."
<small>Source: BBC Science</small>
