Investigation into sheep slaughter on Laois bog by Department of Agriculture
UPDATE: Grisly Mountmellick discovery of dismembered sheep on local bog
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed it is investigating the shocking dumping of dismembered sheep parts on a Laois bog.
Mountmellick Tidy Towns group had reported the concerning find to the department, which is responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws.
Barbara Lalor from the group had described seeing “skins, heads, insides and hooves” at the Bay Road bog near the town in the Spring of 2026.
She suspects that the farm animals were taken to the bog and slaughtered there, for their meat.
In a statement, the Department told the Leinster Express / Laois Live, that it is aware of the case, and that all reports are investigated.
“ All reports of alleged animal neglect or cruelty received by the Department are investigated and appropriate action is taken, up to and including enforcement, where appropriate. The Department is aware of the case; however, it is not the policy of the Department to comment on individual cases.
They say they strongly condemn all cases of animal mistreatment.
“The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine strongly condemns the mistreatment of any animal and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.
“The Department is committed to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
“In this regard, the Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
“It is important to note that primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals rests with the owner or keeper.”
The Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Phone 01 607 2379 to report suspected cases of animal welfare, or email [email protected]