Fresh appeal on 'drowned' pups

A BALLYMONEY council officer has issued a fresh appeal for information following the apparent drowning of puppies in Cloughmills last month.

Police are also investigating after children stumbled upon the gruesome sight of five dead dogs in shallow water.

The youngsters were playing close to the Cloghwater River when they discovered the lifeless young dogs which appeared to have been drowned deliberately.

The animals are believed to have beeen Spaniel-type crosses.

"On Thursday 22 April the department received an anonymous complaint regarding the bodies of five dogs in the river close to Rosedermot Road, Cloughmills," said Environmental Warden Karen Mitchell.

"Council workers attended and removed the five bodies onto the river bank.

"Myself and Cleansing Officer Clive Anderson commenced an investigation into the matter.

"Both my opinion and Clive's was that these young pups had been deliberately drowned.

"The find had been discovered by children who were extremely shocked and upset by the incident.They were either drowned elsewhere and dumped in the river or were drowned in-situ.

"It is my opinion that members of the public in the area may have been approached by someone trying to re-home these young dogs or they may have noticed a vehicle parked at the bridge recently in suspicious circumstances.

" I would appeal to your readers to come forward either to myself or the police.

"Any information given to me will be treated in the strictest confidence."

If you have any information regarding the apparent dumping of the puppies please contact police in Coleraine or Ballymoney on 0845 600 8000 or Ballymoney council.