A dead horse has been found in the River Suir at Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

An Garda Síochána confirmed to Agriland that they responded to the scene of a dead horse in the river on the Blueway Walk, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary on Tuesday (July 21).  

Tipperary County Council told Agriland: “Following reports from members of the public of a dead horse in the River Suir on the afternoon of July 21, council staff attended the location promptly.

The horse was successfully removed from the river before 8:00a.m this morning (July 22) and was subsequently removed from the site by a local knackery.

The animal was scanned for a microchip, though no microchip was detected.

Tipperary County Council added that it would like to thank the members of the public for notifying the council of the issue.

Councillors

On social media, councillor for Tipperary South, Carrick-on-Suir Michael Brennan said: “It was horrific, barbaric, disgusting cruelty to leave an animal in the water like that.”

Also on social media, Cllr. John O'Heney said: “I utterly condemn the violent animal cruelty that seems to be occurring in Clonmel presently.

"A dead horse discarded and thrown in the River Suir tonight.“I will be speaking to the gardaí and all animal rights groups in relation to this."

Cllr O'Heney added that abuse of animals "has gone on too long and it must stop now".

Fallen animals

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has rules for dealing with animal remains.

A farmer/keeper must contact an animal collector as soon as possible after the discovery of the death of an animal and take note of the date and time of notification.

A list of authorised animal collectors is available from Departmental Regional Veterinary Offices (RVO) or by contacting the Fallen Animals Section at (053) 9163437.

Carcasses awaiting collection must be held in such a way that other animals cannot gain access to them.