ANIMAL welfare groups across Ireland have called for micro-chipping, neutering and vaccinating of pets to become mandatory.

The gruesome discovery of the bloodied heads of two young seals mounted on the entrance sign to a popular seal sanctuary is being investigated by gardaí.

Animal rights groups have offered rewards totalling up to €7,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of those responsible for the deaths of two seals in Kerry.

The heads of two young seals have been mounted and stuck to the sign of a seal sanctuary in Co Kerry.