Between 30 to 40 lamb carcasses have been found dumped in a waterway close to a popular beauty spot in Co Derry.
The bodies of the animals were found on Sunday morning by local photographer Desmond Loughery in the Leighry Road area of Limavady, close to the Binevenagh Nature Reserve.
Desmond told Belfast Live that he was horrified by the discovery, saying that he believes the lambs were dumped over a bridge into a waterway in an area that is a popular beauty spot and regularly visited by families and tourists.
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He said: "I had gone up there this morning and noticed what looked to be a carcass hanging over the edge of the bridge and when I got closer I was shocked by what I saw.
"There were around 30 lamb carcasses that appear to have been dumped over the bridge and could be clearly seen by any members of the public that might be in the area.
"It is a popular beauty spot and hundreds of people would usually go for walks there every weekend and I am just thankful that it wasn't too busy this morning because it would be horrifying for anyone who saw it. It is absolutely disgusting.
"The animals appear to have been skinned before they were dumped in the water and I just hope that the person responsible for this is found and held to account."
Local independent councillor James McCorkell said that he has reported the dumped lambs to the council and DAERA and hopes that they can be removed as soon as possible.
He said: "It is shocking to hear that between 30 and 40 lamb carcasses have been dumped over the bridge on Leighry Road and I have reported the incident to the proper authorities in the hopes that they can be removed quickly.
"It is an awful situation and would be terrible if any families visiting the area were to see this.
"This is a truly careless act and on a big and substantial scale and along with being illegal, will pose a pollution risk to the area."
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