Gardaí are carrying out an investigation after receiving a report of animal cruelty in which a dead fox was allegedly found hanging on an overhead electrical line in Co. Cork.

Gardaí confirmed to Agriland that it received a report of an incident of animal cruelty that occurred in the Rockchappel area, Co. Cork on Sunday (June 8) at approximately 6:30p.m.

It is understood that the incident occurred in a rural area, close to the border between counties Cork and Kerry.

It is also understood that the body of the fox had been mutilated before being hung on the wire.

Agriland understands that the body of the fox could not be removed straight away due to a lack of equipment to safely remove it, and that the animal's body was therefore left at the scene overnight on Sunday.

Meanwhile, gardaí are investigating the theft of a cattle trailer, which was stolen from a yard in Mullagh, Co. Cavan.

According to An Garda Síochána, trailers are one of the most commonly stolen items of farm machinery.

They have also indicated that these type of thefts have an “increased occurrence” in spring and autumn, potentially because of increased farming activity during these months.

An Garda Síochána has confirmed that the Hamilton cattle trailer was stolen between 3:00p.m on Saturday (June 7), and 10:00a.m on Monday (June 9).

The investigation into the theft is ongoing.

An Garda Síochána continues to urge farmers to protect their property and farm machinery and has issued some key theft prevention advice including:

Restrict access to your property;
Consider appropriate signage such as private property;
Install gates and fix them to a sturdy concrete or metal post;
Illuminate areas which are overlooked from the dwelling;
Consider installing CCTV for areas out of view of the farmhouse;
Store tools and smaller machinery in a building, close to the farmhouse, with enhanced security features.