Two dogs appear to have been involved in separate fatal hit and run incidents in the Armagh area in the last week – with each being left on the roadside for the heartbroken owners to recover.
The first incident occurred on the Ballycrummy Road on Thursday, April 3 where “a little, light brown, fluffy dog” had been knocked down.
A member of the public explained at that time that a “kind driver” had stopped and moved the dog to the footpath at approximately 9.05am.
An update was issued later explaining that the owners had been informed, the dog had unfortunately escaped and they were “all heartbroken”.
Sadly, a similar incident occurred just days later on April 8 – also at approximately 9am – on the Aughnacloy Road out of Caledon.
Armagh I were alerted to a “big, beautiful, blonde retriever” that was laying deceased on the grass verge near Glenkeen Trout Fishery.
The driver who caused the incident appeared to have also left the scene.
Incidents can occur in both built up and more rural roads at any time but under the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers must report an accident involving certain domestic animals and livestock to the police.
These animals include dogs; horses, donkeys and mules; cattle; pigs; goats and sheep.
And, according to Crash Services while hitting a cat does not carry the same legal obligation it is considered “good practice” to inform the owner or the local animal welfare.
A police spokesperson confirmed they had received no reports matching the description of either incident but stated: “If you’re involved in a road traffic collision with a dog, you should always phone police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
