Anger as Boyne used as dumping ground for cow

By MARK HILLIARD - Mid Louth Independent May 16th 2003

A DECOMPOSING cow carcass was removed from the Boyne in the town centre last Friday following numerous complaints of a foul odour in the area.

The cow had washed up on the side of the river just beside St Dominic's Bridge and horrified passers-by.

Once discovered, Drogheda Borough Council and the Boyne Fisherman's Rescue and Recovery Service (BFRRS) acted quickly to remove the body which was estimated to have been in the river for a number of months.

An investigation into where the animal originated from is unlikely, however, after a later inspection revealed no obligatory identity tag.

Although farmers were once permitted to bury cattle on their land, new laws insist that carcasses are disposed of professionally and through official channels.

'Unfortunately what is happening now is that some unscrupulous farmers will just throw them in the river. It would seem to have been a farmer because the tag was taken off him,' said Borough Council spokesperson Michael McCabe.

Three members of the BFRRS went out in a tender to 'remove the animal by hand, as the approach was deemed safer from the water.

The animal was then dragged up to Horse Lane on Trinity Street and removed directly to College Proteins in Nobber, County Meath to be destroyed.

BFRRS member Michael McCabe said: 'It was difficult because he was in the river for a couple of months. The smell was unbelievable, that's why people were complaining.'

A Wellington Quay resident, outraged by the carcass, said: 'The smell was disgusting. 'It made me feel totally ill coming out the front door.'

© Mid Louth Independent