THREE dogs found dead in a Co Down river could have been used for illegal badger baiting before being dumped in the water.
A reward has been offered for information about those responsible for the “appalling” cruelty suffered by the animals, which were spotted floating in the River Bann between Banbridge and Gilford on Sunday.
A horrified passer-by alerted the USPCA, which dispatched welfare officers to retrieve the three carcasses.
The terrier-type dogs were found to be covered in mud and after being examined by a vet, at least one of the animals was found to have suffered a “serious injury”.
A USPCA spokesman said the dogs could have been used for illegal activities such as badger baiting before being drowned.
The practise of badger baiting is banned in Northern Ireland under the 2011 Welfare of Animals Act, and the USPCA spokesman said they were investigating the use of the dogs in baiting “as a line of enquiry”.
“When used in this way, dogs can often suffer as much as the badgers. The passer-by who spotted the dogs was understandably very distressed.
“The USPCA is liaising with the statutory bodies empowered with enforcement of the animal welfare legislation - the PSNI and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council animal welfare inspectors - to ensure a robust investigation takes place," the spokesman added.
“USPCA Trustees are appalled by this apparent act of cruelty and are offering a £500 reward for information leading to a successful prosecution. This can be passed to the charity on our Animal Helpline 028 3025 1000 and we will ensure it is acted upon.”
Banbridge SDLP councillor Seamus Doyle said he was “disgusted” by the attack and urged anyone with information to come forward.
“I have two collie dogs myself, and to think that animals are being used in this way sickens me,” he said.
“This sort of activity needs to be stamped out altogether, and those involved should be punished to the full extent of the law.”
