AN ARMAGH COUNCILLOR has said “there are questions to answer” after learning the Northern Irish Department of Agriculture euthanised two potbellied pigs and left the bodies in woodland in Armagh.

Councillor Bróna Haughey shared a post on Facebook last week after being made aware that two potbellied pigs which has been abandoned in Carrickatuke, Co Armagh were shot and left “lying in a pool of blood”.

Potbellied pigs are the most common breed of pigs kept as pets and are known for being intelligent, trainable, and affectionate.

Haughey said the animals were previously being fed by a local family, and she had been attempting to track down their owners or have them rescued when she learned of their deaths. 

“Some horrible person took it upon themselves to go and shoot these innocent creatures… I honestly despair at the cruelty,” she said.

However, as first reported by Armaghi, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) have taken responsibility for the euthanisations. 

In a statement, DAERA said: “The animals in question were found to be abandoned, recumbent, in distress and lacked any form of identification, which made it impossible to trace their ownership or secure proper care for them.”

“In situations like this, where pigs are left unattended, unidentified and suffering, DAERA must act based on welfare concerns and statutory powers.

“After careful assessment and with no suitable alternative arrangements available, euthanasia was deemed necessary for the welfare of the pigs.”

They also said members of the public should not attempt to feed farmed animals, including pigs, household waste.

“To do so may result in the spread of disease and threatens the high animal health status of Northern Ireland. They should instead report any straying or abandoned farmed animals to the department,” they added. 

DEARA told The Journal: “As the carcasses were on Department owned land, the Department arranged disposal of the carcases by a private contractor as soon as possible.”

But Councillor Haughey said the bodies of the animals should not have been left in the woodland, adding that she has written to the Minister for Agriculture about the issue.

“If it was about disease prevention, the animals should not have been left there,” she said on Facebook.

“An animal charity I contacted about rescue had replied to me asking for an update on these animals, by that time it was too late. There are questions to answer.”