Dead goat is dumped at rural fly tipping hotspot in Craigantlet, County Down

DUP MLA Stephen Dunne was contacted by a constituent who alerted him to the incident.

"I was shocked to see that a dead goat has been dumped along the Ballymoney Road in Craigantlet,” Mr Dunne commented.

"This is totally unacceptable and it is very alarming that someone would discard a dead animal like this. This particular area is becoming a real hotspot for fly tipping, with increasing amounts of rubbish and materials being found on a regular basis.

"Just a few days after the dead goat was discovered, a metal bed frame and an old washing machine was dumped and discarded at the same rural location. I have reported this dumping to council, and I do appreciate their co-operation in removing the illegally dumped materials over the past number of years.”

Mr Dunne continued: “We must protect and preserve our environment, and it is very disheartening to see a local area being used as a dumping ground.

"I receive frequent reports from residents that dumping has occurred in this rural area. Whilst I appreciate it is difficult to deal catch those who fly tip immediately, as it is often carried out during hours of darkness, I believe that the council has a role to play to deter those responsible, and bring those responsible to account within the law.

"We need to see increased deterrents put in place to put a stop to this ongoing issue which is blighting our local landscape and environment,” he added.