The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that animal carcasses that had been dumped at a riverbank along a road outside Fivemiletown have now been removed.

The dead animals were dumped in areas along Alderwood Road, Fivemiletown, with the carcasses of Friesian calves strewn along the edge of a riverbank, while some metres away, a number of dead sheep and lambs were also dumped.

Kevin McElvogue, an Independent Republican candidate for Clogher Valley, told The Impartial Reporter that the issue was raised to him by concerned residents of the area on Friday, April 7. He reported the issue to DAERA that same day.

He noted that by Sunday, April 15, the rotting carcasses had not been removed.

Following queries by this newspaper, DAERA responded on Wednesday, April 26, confirming that the animal carcasses have now been removed. However, it is unclear when the removal process took place.

A DAERA spokesperson said: “Forest Service can confirm that a number of animal carcasses dumped in various locations in Mullaghafad forest have been removed, including those carcasses at the riverbank near Alderwood Road which were also on DAERA-owned land.

“Carcasses were recovered and disposed of using a contract licenced facility and the use of a registered haulier. No images of the removal process are held by DAERA.”