Dead dog dumping ground sparks probe

THE ISPCA and the Irish Greyhound Board have launched investigations into the discovery of the carcasses of several dogs — including some greyhounds — in a remote west Cork woodland.

The gruesome finds were made in recent weeks in the Coppeen region and have prompted fears that owners have been using the isolated area as a dumping ground for unwanted greyhounds.

Other breeds are also involved, although some of the dogs had become so decomposed that it was impossible to identify them.

The ISPCA has described the dumping as “appalling and disgraceful” and are treating it as suspicious.

Some weeks ago, two dead dogs were discovered by ISPCA inspector Lisa O’Donovan following a report from members of the public, while further investigation of the woody area near Coppeen uncovered five more skulls and a large selection of bones.

“I would be confident that there are more remains there,” said the inspector yesterday.

“Because of the amount of dead bodies in the region and their proximity to each other, it would appear that there has been regular disposing here,” she said.

The cause of the dogs’ death is unknown and Ms O’Donovan said that it was “impossible” to know how many people are involved in the dumping of dog remains. “But if one person disposes of an animal and it remains undiscovered, then the likelihood is that the location would be mentioned to other people who choose to dispose of dogs in this manner,” she said.

Following confirmation that at least one of the animals was a greyhound, the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) launched its own investigation and is working closely with the ISPCA.

Those involved in the greyhound industry will be told of the situation in west Cork by the IGB.

“The illegal disposal of animals in this fashion is unacceptable. The majority of veterinary practices provide a disposal facility that is available to all members of the public for a fee. Not only is this an environmental issue but it is also a distressing sight for people to come across.”

Ms O’Donovan said that it was an “appalling and disgraceful” situation near Coppeen and appealed to members of the public to pass on any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible.

“I would also ask the public to keep on the look-out for similar occurrences in their areas and to report it to their local Garda stations,” she said.

* ISPCA confidential helpline: 1890 515515