LISTEN: Dog bound with Christmas ribbon and dumped in Co Down lake

Q Radio News

A small dog has been found tied up inside a heavy plant pot which was wrapped with a plastic bag in a County Down Lough. 

A red Christmas ribbon was used to bind the white Maltese-type pooch's muzzle which was discovered yesterday, Sunday December 29, by an off-duty dog warden who was fishing in the Camlough Lake area of Newry. 

Councillor David Taylor says local residents are horrified as he described their reaction.        

Its muzzle had been bound with the ribbon to prevent it barking.

The death of the dog is being investigated and its remains are to be scanned for a microchip to try to trace the original owner of the dog.

A spokesperson for the Co Armagh Pets Lost and Found group also expressed disgust and appealed for help in catching whoever is responsible. 

In a statement, a spokesperson for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council confirmed it is investigating the incident. 

"Newry, Mourne and Down District Council can confirm it is aware of the matter and an investigation is ongoing.  Therefore, no further comment can be provided at this time.”