‘Sickening act’ - Irish priest shocked by animal carcasses dumped outside local church

An Irish priest has expressed his shock after animal carcasses were dumped outside his local church on Monday. 

The incident occurred at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Caledon, Co Tyrone.

Fr Cathal Devaney shared video footage on social media of what appears to be the internal organs of multiple animals placed along a wall at the entrance to the church car park.

Fr Devaney condemned the incident, saying: “This is disgraceful and disturbing. Someone dumped this animal waste in St. Joseph’s car-park, Caledon. We have informed the police, local council and others.

"I am very saddened and angry. I prayed for whoever did it. They are in a bad place. May St Joseph watch over our parish today and everyday.”

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Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew also expressed his shock at the incident, stating: “This is an abhorrent and criminal attack on our parish, churchgoers and residents, and I want to condemn it in the strongest possible terms. 

“I also want to express my support for Father Deveney and all parishioners.

“There is absolutely no place in our society for this despicable behaviour. Whoever is behind this sickening act must be brought to justice.”

Mr Gildernew called on anyone who has any information on the incident to immediately contact the police.

Police said they received a report on Monday afternoon “relating to dumped animal remains in the Minterburn Road area of Caledon”.

“It is thought this occurred sometime between 23:00 on Sunday 5 October and 14:00 on Monday 6 October,” they added.

They have appealed for anyone with any information to contact them.