Claims that a puma alleged to have been involved in attacks on a number of livestock in the Border area was responsible for the mauling of another animal yesterday were discounted last night by gardaí and Department of Agriculture veterinary officers.
A Co Monaghan farmer discovered a 10-day-old Charolais calf dead on his farm at Corleadargan, about two miles from Castleblayney, and because of the nature of the wounds visible on the dead animal he alerted gardaí.
After an inspection of the mauled animal, gardaí notified the Department's veterinary inspectors, and zoological experts from Dublin were also called in.
Last night, Sgt Eric Boyle, Castleblayney, said that, following a detailed examination of the dead animal, the inspectors were satisfied the animal's death was not caused by a puma or other large "cat".
"It appears the animal was mauled by a fox or foxes after death, and not attacked by any other type of animal. They are satisfied there was no question of any puma or wildcat being involved."
Last week, several people claimed sightings in south Monaghan and north Louth of a black puma. Earlier this summer, reported sightings of the "puma" in north Monaghan and Cavan, led to Garda and Army searches and the deployment of Army marksmen.