Gardaí hire oceanographer to analyse dumped animals

An oceanographer has been engaged by gardaí as part of a lengthy investigation into the dumping of 17 animal carcasses, discovered below the spectacular Baltard Cliffs in Co Clare.

With ear tag IDs removed, the decomposed carcases of 10 horses, four cattle, and three calves were found almost a year ago.

Following Clare’s ISPCA warden Frankie Coote’s examination, an investigation continues involving the gardaí, the Department of Agriculture, Clare County Council, and the ISPCA.

Garda investigator Chief Supt John Kerin confirmed the investigation was one of the most complex undertaken in west Clare in recent years. He said a substantial two-volume file on the case had been lodged with the (DPP) since December.

“I believe, from feedback we had, the file is the most complex of this nature that the DPP has ever got, hence the reason directions are not back yet,” he said.

Chief Supt Kerin said he expected a decision “very shortly”. He said that DNA tests were carried out on the dead animals.

The head of the Clare Garda Division also stated the investigation employed an oceanographer to determine if the carcasses had been washed ashore.

He said the carcasses had been cremated at the scene as it was not possible to remove them. ISPCA officer Mr Coote had, at the time, described the dumping as “planned and sinister”.

Up to 15 of the bloated animals were located close together at the bottom of the isolated cliffs, while a dead horse lay close by.

He had found nine horses, four cattle and three calves together at the bottom of the cliffs. “Their ears had been cut off to remove the tags. This was planned. Whoever did it, it took quite a lot of work. Plus removing all identification from the animals made it sinister.”

He also believed the animals had been thrown 100m from the clifftop and had been there more than two months. Mr Coote said the necks and legs of the animals were broken from the fall from the clifftop.

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