Westmeath County Council is currently investigating a “serious incident of illegal dumping” following the discovery of six calves in a tributary waterway.

The discovery was made in the Windtown area of Co. Westmeath.

The incident, reported as fly-tipping, has prompted a coordinated response involving Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and An Garda Síochána.

All three agencies are conducting independent investigations into the matter.

Westmeath County Council said: “The improper disposal of animal carcasses poses significant risks to public and animal health.

"Decomposing livestock can act as a source of disease and may contaminate local waterways, creating environmental hazards and potential threats to drinking water supplies.”

Legal obligations

A spokesperson for Westmeath County Council added: “The failure to dispose of deceased livestock in a responsible and lawful manner is not only an environmental offence, but it also undermines good farming practices and poses a risk to the wider community.”

Westmeath County Council said that farmers are reminded of their legal obligations to ensure that deceased animals are managed appropriately.

It added that all dead livestock "must be collected promptly by registered animal disposal operators, in accordance with national regulations".

Westmeath County Council is urging members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any incidents of illegal dumping or environmental damage.

Lambs

Recently, in a separate incident, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) launched an investigation after roughly a dozen dead lambs were illegally dumped in Co. Derry.

The dumping of the lamb carcasses was first discovered by a local on a morning walk last Sunday (April 26) on Clagan Road near Claudy village.

This incident follows a similar situation last week when animal carcasses were illegally dumped in Clogher, Co. Tyrone.

John Blair, who is the Northern Ireland Assembly Animal Welfare chair, noted his concerns from these reports and "the potential for serious animal cruelty to be involved".