There are fears this morning for the well-being of a number of animals who have been left stranded in the floodwaters following severe flooding around Mountmellick.
Pictures, taken by concerned resident Laura Murphy, show horses and cows left in the water.
It is understood that the animals have been left this way since the floods hit on Wednesday and they are now facing into a third day in these conditions.
Posting on her Facebook page, Laura said: “These are pictures of horses and cows stuck out the Borness, Mountmellick.
“Up to their belly in water no land in sight for them to get up on. No food. Freezing temps to come. I rang department of agriculture first thing and they said they would get someone out.
“The horses were still there at 5 this evening in the same spots not able to move and freezing with the cold.
“I’ve contacted the guards this evening. Nothing they can do. This is a f###### disgrace.”
And as of this morning, there was still no change in the situation of these animals who now have to contend with freezing temperatures as well.
Laura and others have been contacting various agencies in a bid to rescue the animals but so far, they have been unsuccessful.
Clodagh Nolan, who spent all of yesterday trying to get help, has called on volunteers to come forward.
She said: “I contacted a few of the animal rescues as did my friends.
“The only one that got back to me was My Lovely Horse Rescue in Dublin.
“They didn’t have volunteers close by to help. As it’s their second night there and with it being so cold tonight it’s not looking good.
“I’m hoping this won’t be the case and people might volunteer to help tomorrow.
“The Department of Agriculture said they would send someone out early yesterday and no one showed up.”
