Work is underway to remove between 30 and 40 lamb carcasses that were found dumped in a stream in Co Derry.
The bodies of the dead animals were found in the Leighry Road area outside Limavady, close to the Binevenagh Nature Reserve, on Easter Sunday by local photographer Desmond Loughery.
Desmond said 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.
Read more: Outrage as 30-40 lamb carcasses dumped in Co Derry stream
The dumping was reported to DAERA and the local council to be removed.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has now confirmed that work is underway to remove the dead animals
It has said that the removal should be complete either this today or early on Tuesday.
A NIEA spokesperson said: “NIEA has assessed the site and deployed suitable contractors to remove the carcases. It is hoped that this work will be completed later this afternoon or early on Easter Tuesday.”
After discovering the dead lambs, which appeared to have been skinned, on Sunday, Desmond expressed outrage, but was thankful that there were not many visitors in the area at the time.
He said on Sunday: "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."
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