Dead snakes and a bearded dragon dumped in Leinster river

Gardaí suspect that the deceased reptiles were thrown over a bridge into the water. Picture: Carolina Manthei

Two dead snakes, a lizard, a salamander and a deer were found dumped in the River Slaney, near Tinnehinch, Co Wicklow on Saturday July 18 and have since been removed, according to Wicklow County Council.

There was an adult python and a bearded dragon amongst the decomposing animals. Gardaí suspect that the deceased reptiles were thrown over a bridge into the water. They were at an advanced stage of decomposition.

A member of the public alerted gardaí to the reptiles, and they attended with members of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. 

Classed as a water quality issue, Wicklow County Council later arranged the removal of the animals from the site on Tuesday 21 July.

Neither the council, gardaí nor the wildlife service are investigating the matter further: there did not appear to be evidence of animal cruelty or any other crime, and reptiles do not fall under the remit of the wildlife service.