Duck kill claims circulate online

Multiple reports have appeared online from shocked witnesses who claim to have seen a car intentionally run over and kill a duck at The Lough.

The alleged incident was first posted on Cork’s dedicated Reddit page by someone who claims to have witnessed the criminal act first hand.

In a post now removed by moderators from the popular Cork-centric social media thread, the witness claimed they followed the car in question and confronted the male driver who proceeded to laugh at them.

They also shared a photo of the car.

A post from a second alleged witness which is yet to be taken down, read: “Anyone seen the old fella...just drive straight over the duck down by The Lough? No way he didn't see him and just ploughed through it.”

The post spurred many responses from appalled Corkonians.

One wrote: “Please, please report it too so a case can be built against this absolute scum of the earth!”

Another shared: “Hopefully the gardaí take this seriously and catch up with this guy and charge him. Animal abuse needs to be stamped out.”

A third claimed: “Everyone was beeping at him. No way he wasn't aware.”

Cork City Council confirmed it is “aware of alleged incident”.

A spokesperson confirmed that the council is “ready to assist gardaí if required”.

Animal cruelty is governed primarily by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The act states that a person shall not do anything to an animal that causes unnecessary suffering or endangers their health or welfare.

According to animallaw.ie the maximum penalty for animal cruelty can reach a fine of €250,000 and/or 5 years’ imprisonment on indictment. Convictions for a less serious offence in the District Court can result in a €5,000 fine and/or up to 6 months’ imprisonment.

Additionally, courts are authorised to impose disqualification orders, including lifetime bans on keeping animals.