A Northern Ireland councillor is calling for a full investigation after dead sheep and calves were found dumped at two locations in Co. Tyrone in recent days.

Independent Mid Ulster councillor Kevin McElvogue said he was alerted on Friday morning (June 12) to dead sheep in the Ballygawley Water.

When the councillor arrived at the scene he found several dead animals in the river and on gravel in the river.

He also saw two large bags containing more sheep carcasses.

Cllr McElvogue believes that whoever is responsible thought that the dead animals would be swept down stream in flood water following heavy rain.

In total, the councillor estimates that up to 15 dead sheep were dumped in the river which is a tributary of the Blackwater River, which feeds into Lough Neagh, a major drinking water source in Northern Ireland.

"It's a massive concern. Nobody knows where these sheep died and what they died from. Were they diseased? What caused them to die in the first place?" he said.

Cllr McElvogue told Agriland that the dead sheep are still in the river today.

Tyrone

Yesterday (Sunday, June 14), the councillor was alerted to two dead calves which were dumped on a roadside near the village of Cappagh.

In recent months, a number of dead lambs were discovered around the same location by a family who were on a litter-picking walk.

Cllr McElvogue said it is "very concerning" that the incidents are occuring.

"There's a facility down the road, around 11 miles away, Linergy, and they take fallen stock," he said.

Cllr McElvogue said he has contacted the local authority about the latest discovery who will in turn alert the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The councillor said the dumping of dead animals is an issue in the area and needs to be fully investigated.

"We're going to have to talk to the authorities, we're going to have to get onto them to see what can be done here. There is a massive problem," he said.

"It's not good what's happening. Whoever is doing it has no respect for anybody," the councillor added.

Agriland has contacted DAERA for comment.