A decomposing fox carcass remained under the open lock gate on the Newry Canal towpath on Monday, two weeks after a member of the public informed Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Report lodged on 6 July – council response delayed
The case was first brought to the council's attention by email on 6 July, according to the person who contacted Newry.ie. They said they notified Customer Services to request removal of the animal from the area behind St Colman's College.
"There is a dead fox on the town path behind St Colmans school in the old canal gate lock area . Please notify relevant department for removal. Thank you"
The resident received a telephone call from the council three days after the initial message, being told the remains would be cleared "in the next day or two". That removal did not take place, and a follow-up email sent on 17 July bounced back with an automated reply that the recipient's mailbox was full.
Public amenity and health concerns
When Newry.ie visited the lock gate on 20 July the carcass had become badly decomposed and remained visible to anyone using the towpath, with an accompanying odour. The site is adjacent to a school and forms part of a town leisure route used by residents and visitors.
The continued presence of a decomposing animal at a public tourist facility raises questions about the speed and effectiveness of the council's response to reported hazards and environmental health issues.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 6 July | Member of public emails council to report dead fox at canal lock |
| ~9 July | Council telephones reporter, promises removal "in the next day or two" |
| 17 July | Follow-up email from resident bounces back (mailbox full) |
| 20 July | Newry.ie visits site; carcass still present; Newry.ie contacts council |
What residents should know
- If you spot a hazard or potential public-health issue on council land, report it through the council's official Customer Services channels and keep a record of your report.
- Where possible, note the time, exact location and include a photograph — this helps officers identify and prioritise the removal.
- If you do not receive a timely response, try alternative council contact routes or report the issue again so it is captured in the service log.
Newry.ie has contacted Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for comment about the length of time taken to remove the carcass and for clarification of its procedures for dealing with dead animals on public land; the council's response is awaited.
The presence of the carcass at a visible canal lock gate underlines the importance of clear and functioning reporting systems for environmental health and the maintenance of public amenities.
