Concerns have been expressed over alleged animal welfare incidents on the Carland Road, Dungannon, which are currently being investigated by Mid Ulster District Council.
Speaking at last Thursday’s (March 26) monthly meeting of the local authority, the Independent representative for Torrent DEA, Councillor Dan Kerr referred to an alleged animal cruelty case which had been mentioned by Councillor Dominic Molloy (Sinn Féin, Dungannon DEA) at the March 12 Development committee meeting.
A pony had been found to be in distress on the Carland Road.
The animal – affectionately nicknamed ‘Cookie’ by those in attendance – was said to be taking intermittent seizures and when the vet attended, was faced with no alternative but to end its suffering.
Upon investigation of the field – albeit under the cloak of darkness – a police officer is said to have found a second carcass close by.
At that time, it was believed to be the foal’s mother. However, in the light of day My Lovely Horse Rescue – an Irish equine welfare charity – has now been confirmed that two other horses were also found dead in the same field.
Speaking at the March 12 committee meeting, Councillor Barry Monteith (Independent, Dungannon DEA) explained that this was not the first alleged incident to be reported at this location, and that the public were very distressed as to what is happening.
Following up on the above at last Thursday’s council meeting, Councillor Kerr commented: “I have just been speaking to several people who [reported] the incident on Carland Road.
“A few things they wanted to express their concerns about, regarding the recent horse death, [is that] no one seems to be taking responsibility.
“Animal welfare only works to 5pm and seems to be understaffed. Members of the public [are left to be] the eyes and ears, and animals suffer unnecessarily for hours as a result.
“There have been previous incidents at this location. Can a report be brought back to the relevant committee to see what happened in the aftermath, and can we do anything better?”
Council chief executive, Adrian McCreesh informed Councillor Kerr: “In relation to the issue of animal welfare — a horrendous experience and a terrible situation.
“An investigation is ongoing, and a full report will be brought to the Environment Committee.”
