Potbelly pigs that had been found shot dead at a beauty spot in County Armagh were shot by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs officials (DAERA)), Armagh I can now reveal.
A resident of the area who had been frequently visiting and feeding the pigs with her grandchildren had contacted this publication after making the grizzly discovery in the Carrickatuke Viewpoint area at the start of April.
According to the resident, the pair of pigs appeared to have be abandoned in the area, which largely consists of forestry and untamed agricultural land.
Over the course of the fortnight, she and her grandchildren had grown fond of the two and began making their visits routine.
Related: Two potbelly pigs found ‘in pool of blood’ after being shot at Co Armagh beauty spot
So, when they attended one morning with kitchen scraps and found both laying in a pool of blood having been shot in their heads, they were understandably distraught.
Speaking at the time, the woman said: “At first we thought they were sleeping but when I got closer I saw the blood. Both had been shot. It was absolutely devastating.”
The week before their deaths, Councillor Brona Haughey had been informed of the pigs’ arrival on Carrickatuke and had been busily trying to find out if anyone was missing them and also trying to source an animal welfare charity to take them in if they weren’t claimed.
Said Councillor Haughey: “I contacted a few people to see if they had escaped but to no avail. I didn’t post online as they were safe and well fed (by a loving local family) and I didn’t want anything to happen to them until I was able to have them rescued.
“I am sorry to say, that some horrible person took it upon themselves to go and shoot these innocent creatures who were doing no harm. They’re now lying in a pool of blood at Carrickatuke.”
The Councillor also followed up with Council to ensure their bodies were collected by an independent contractor and disposed of appropriately.
Said Councillor Haughey: “I contacted a few people to see if they had escaped but to no avail. I didn’t post online as they were safe and well fed (by a loving local family) and I didn’t want anything to happen to them until I was able to have them rescued.
“I am sorry to say, that some horrible person took it upon themselves to go and shoot these innocent creatures who were doing no harm. They’re now lying in a pool of blood at Carrickatuke.”
Since then, Armagh I received further information that DAERA officials had in fact ordered the pigs to be euthanised and a member of staff had carried out the killings.
When contacted for clarification, a spokesperson for DAERA said: “The animals in question were found to be abandoned, recumbent, in distress and lacked any form of identification, which made it impossible to trace their ownership or secure proper care for them. In situations like this, where pigs are left unattended, unidentified and suffering, DAERA must act based on welfare concerns and statutory powers.
“After careful assessment and with no suitable alternative arrangements available, euthanasia was deemed necessary for the welfare of the pigs.”
Warning against providing food to livestock, the department spokesperson continued: “Members of the public should not attempt to feed farmed animals, including pigs, household waste.
“To do so may result in the spread of disease and threatens the high animal health status of Northern Ireland. They should instead report any straying or abandoned farmed animals to the department on 0300 200 7840.”