A Co. Tyrone rescue team have shared their shock after they discovered a dog’s body in the River Blackwater tied down with weights.
The Tyrone Underwater Search and Recovery team were on patrol at the Moy Bridge at the weekend when they were flagged down by fisherman who noticed something in the water.
Two divers from the team subsequently found that a dog had been “anchored down”.
The incident was then reported to police , who were able to recover the dog.
A spokesperson for Tyrone Underwater Search and Recovery, writing on Facebook, said: “As you can imagine any life lost is deeply upsetting and as fellow dog owners amongst the team, this one hurts just as a much as an every other life.
“Thank you to the fishermen that highlighted this to us – it has been reported to the PSNI who with a speedy call to action have been able to recover the little dog. Thank you for your services. Let’s make this world a little less cruel.”
Police have since confirmed they are investigating the incident.
Sergeant Stewart said: “Officers received a report that the dog was found weighted down in the water shortly after 3.45pm on Saturday, April 20.
“The dog was removed from the water and has been taken to a vet. A post-mortem will be carried out in due course. We are engaging with the local animal welfare officers in the council.
“Our enquiries are underway and anyone who noticed anything suspicious is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1075 of 20/04/24.”
