Cllr 'disgusted' at dumping of dead ewes in ditch

A Westmeath councillor said this week that he was "angered and disgusted" by an incident in which two dead ewes were illegally dumped into a ditch outside Athlone.

Cllr Frankie Keena said the area where this happened (on the Tully road, just outside Baylin village) is regularly used by the public for recreational walks, and also expressed concern about it resulting in the possible contamination of a local watercourse.

"While the majority of people were enjoying and celebrating the Christmas season with family and friends, this particular individual was mainly focused on getting these two ewes removed from his or her land as quick as possible," said the Fianna Fáil councillor.

"The environmental implications of this action are serious. Apart from the numerous rodents currently eating these dead ewes, and the horrendous smell of their decaying flesh, the ewes were dumped beside a watercourse which will most definitely cause contamination to the stream as it makes it way to Lough Ree.

"The mindset of this individual who disposed of these ewes in such a way is very hard to comprehend. I have notified the relevant authorities about this illegal action and have requested them to immediately remove and dispose of these ewes in a proper manner.

"I have also requested that the authorities try and trace the ewes' ownership, as Department regulations clearly state that all sheep must be tagged in accordance with the rules set down under the National Sheep Identification System.

"This person needs to be identified and fined accordingly," Cllr Keena said.