‘Public mischief’ probe after tip-off turns up dead fox

Gardaí are probing a possible waste of their resources after a tip-off led to a dig which uncovered the recently buried body of a fox.

Gardaí in Cahir began the dig in a field at the bottom of a hill in Araglen in north Co Cork, close to the border with Tipperary and Waterford, at first light yesterday morning.

At least four gardaí and a JCB were used to remove soil at a precise spot provided by a tip-off from a member of the public late on Sunday.

After digging more than 6ft into the ground, the body of a fox wrapped in a shawl was discovered.

The coordinates provided to gardaí were so precise, it led them to the exact location where the animal was buried.

Gardaí were tightlipped about the case yesterday, but it is understood the matter is being treated as a possible waste of garda time.

It is not known whether the tip-off referred specifically to the possibility of a body being located at the spot, or whether the name of an individual was mentioned.

The dig only began yesterday morning as when the tip-off was made, it was too dark to begin work at the site, understood to be located in a farmer’s field. Araglen is located 20km from Lismore in Co Waterford and around 10km from Fermoy town.

Gardaí will now review whether or not the information provided was intentionally false. A Garda spokesman said the force did not want to give the impression it was not open to tip-offs and information being provided by the public.

Wasting garda time is referred to as ‘public mischief’ and can carry sanctions up to and including a short jail sentence or fine.